The other evening,
a friend was reminiscing about his smoking days…
Still thinking about the tune,
could be something quite Springsteenish!
22nd August 2021
HMS Hero on his cap,
The tough-looking sailor on the cigarette pack.
Thought we could be heroes, boys with bumfluff chins:
If we smoked, the grown-up world would let us in!
Chorus
So much smoke I dragged down, for the Cigarette Navy:
Now that smoke is dragging down me.
On the rest of life’s voyage, won’t travel too far:
Both my lungs, full of Jolly Jack Tar.
Fourteen years old, joined the Cigarette Navy;
So did my friends: never thought we were crazy.
Navy Cut or Capstan Full Strength, the only choice:
Had to prove we were the hardest boys.
Chorus
Going to sea, you must learn the ropes;
For the Cigarette Navy, you just have to smoke.
Didn’t listen, home or school,
When anyone said we were being fools.
Chorus
Tobacco barons, monopoly on your health:
Friends in high places, purchased with dirty wealth.
Cigarette cards never said, “Get out of jail”:
Every smoke, a coffin nail.
Chorus
Even when the cancer truth was clear
So much fighting back because of fear
That profits would be less if people knew
Exactly what tobacco smoke could do.
Chorus
Now I’ve quit, have to hope
I’m moving back down the queue for the final rope.
Whenever we meet, remind me I’m a fool
For ever thinking that smoking made you cool.
Chorus
© Christopher Jessop 2021
