Cigarette Street
When Marshall Thompson joined the band I fell in love with his playing the same way I had with Clay’s harmonica. Keyboards by their nature are more versatile than a harmonica, if not as easy to transport. My fresh infatuation with Marshall’s ivories may explain my decision to go with this version of the song for the record, as opposed to the more raucous early attempt now included in the bonus tracks.
In ’92 smoking was still allowed in bars and several members of the band (Walt, Johnny, Marshall and myself) smoked cigarettes. We’d often smoke onstage while performing this song, just to drive home that we weren’t being preachy so much as deeply hypocritical.
Lyrics
CIGARETTE STREET
I’d like to welcome you to Cigarette Street to
Cigarette Street to
Cigarette Street to
Cigarette Street
Well you can see for yourself
that it’s hard to compete
with the pictures on the package
that glorify the wreckage
of this sick, sick, sick, sick, sick society
So if you’re feeelin’ just a little bit sick on
Cigarette Street on
Cigarette Street on
Cigarette Street
Well you can’t see the doctor
’til your forms are complete
’cause he can call it sickness
and then he can call it business
and then he can say
he’s free to disagree
On Cigarette Street
So if you all think you’re free
on Cigarette Street on
Cigarette Street on
Cigarette Street on
Cigarette Street
You’re only free
to buy the things
that they want you to eat
like the plastic coated poison
you swear you are enjoyin’
even though your face is turning green
On Cigarette Street
Credits
Written by Andras Jones
Recorded live and engineered by
Colin Mahoney & John Nason
Andras Jones – Lead Vocals & Acoustic Guitar
Marshall Thompson – Piano & Vocals
Clay Goldstein – Harmonica
John Nason – Lead Guitar & Vocals
Brian Mastalski – Bass Guitar
Purchase
$1.50