The Meaning Behind The Song: Cigarettes and Chocolate Milk by Rufus Wainwright

Hey there, music lovers! Today, I want to talk about a song that holds a special place in my heart – “Cigarettes and Chocolate Milk” by Rufus Wainwright. This song, which opens his 2001 album, Poses, is not only catchy, but it also delves into the themes of decadence, desire, and the way our compulsions can rule our lives.

Table of Contents

A Song About Cravings and Addictions

As the lyrics suggest, the song is all about cravings – specifically for cigarettes and chocolate milk. Wainwright describes these seemingly innocent indulgences as something that goes beyond just liking them. They become a little bit stronger, a little bit thicker, and a little bit harmful for him. It’s a fascinating exploration of how the things we desire can simultaneously bring us joy and have unintended consequences.

The song doesn’t stop there. It dives deeper into different cravings as Wainwright mentions jellybeans, sweets that need to be eaten in one sitting. He sings about how everything he likes is a little bit sweeter, a little bit fatter, and a little bit harmful for him. This reinforces the idea that our desires can often lead us astray, even when they seem innocent at first.

Strange and Deadly Temptations

In the third verse, Wainwright alludes to “those other things” that he won’t mention. These “other things” represent the darker and more dangerous aspects of our desires. Everything about them is a little bit stranger, a little bit harder, and a little bit deadly. It’s a haunting reminder that not all cravings are harmless, and some can have serious consequences.

Broken Hearts and Sentimental Valiums

The chorus of the song suggests that these desires and cravings aren’t very smart. They tend to make one brokenhearted. It’s a poignant reflection on how our desires can leave us feeling empty and unfulfilled. Wainwright further explores this theme in the lyrics, mentioning prodigal sons and referencing the need for sentimental Valiums. It’s a reminder that sometimes we use our vices as a means to escape and cope with the pain we feel.

But amidst all these reflections on cravings and addictions, Wainwright weaves in his signature storytelling style. He mentions various places and references that serve as metaphors for his own experiences. From being a “shoe made for the city” to the mention of “scrappy boys” who have run of the town, Wainwright creates a vivid narrative that engages the listener.

Personal Connection

I remember stumbling upon this song at a friend’s house, and I was captivated from the first few notes. The combination of Wainwright’s soulful vocals, the heartfelt lyrics, and the haunting piano melody created a mesmerizing experience for me. As I listened to the song over and over again, I couldn’t help but reflect on my own cravings and addictions, both big and small.

Wainwright’s ability to capture the intricacies of desires, and how they can simultaneously bring joy and pain, is truly remarkable. “Cigarettes and Chocolate Milk” serves as a reminder that our cravings can sometimes consume us if we’re not careful, but it also invites us to embrace the complexities of our own humanity.

The Music Video and Production Credits

The music video for “Cigarettes and Chocolate Milk” showcases Wainwright’s raw talent as he plays the piano and sings in an empty warehouse, as well as walking the streets of New York. It perfectly complements the introspective nature of the song.

The song was produced by Pierre Marchand, who also played a key role in the album’s sound. It’s worth noting the collaboration between Marchand and Wainwright in creating the string arrangements for the song, which add a beautifully melancholic touch.

Overall, “Cigarettes and Chocolate Milk” is a song that invites introspection, provokes thought, and captures the essence of desires and addictions. As you listen to this song, take a moment to reflect on your own cravings, the things that bring you joy and those that have unintended consequences. It’s through these reflections that we can better understand ourselves and the complexities of our desires.

Thanks for joining me today, and I hope you found some meaning behind “Cigarettes and Chocolate Milk” by Rufus Wainwright. Until next time, keep exploring the depths of music and its relatable messages.