Cigarettes And Chocolate Milk

Rufus Wainwright's song 'Cigarettes And Chocolate Milk' delves into the complexities of human desires and the often self-destructive tendencies that accompany them. The song opens with the titular cravings, cigarettes and chocolate milk, which serve as metaphors for the various indulgences and vices that people find hard to resist. These cravings are described as 'a little bit stronger, a little bit thicker, a little bit harmful,' suggesting that the things we desire most are often the ones that can cause us the most harm. This sets the tone for a reflection on the nature of temptation and the struggle to balance pleasure with self-control.

As the song progresses, Wainwright expands on this theme by mentioning other cravings, like jellybeans, which he feels compelled to consume all at once. This behavior highlights a pattern of excess and the difficulty of moderation. The lyrics then take a darker turn, alluding to 'other things' that are 'a little bit stranger, a little bit harder, a little bit deadly.' These lines suggest more serious addictions or harmful behaviors that are not explicitly named but are implied to be even more dangerous.

Wainwright also touches on the emotional consequences of these cravings, noting that they 'tend to make one part so brokenhearted.' This line underscores the emotional toll that indulgence and addiction can take, leading to feelings of regret and sorrow. The song's narrative then shifts to a more personal reflection, where Wainwright describes himself as a 'shoe made for the city,' indicating a sense of belonging and identity tied to urban life. He acknowledges his flaws and the challenges of maintaining a facade while dealing with internal struggles, advising a 'reading of a lesson in tightropes' to navigate these complexities.

The song concludes with a plea for understanding and kindness, as Wainwright admits to being 'a little bit heiress, a little bit Irish, a little bit Tower of Pisa,' a mix of identities and imperfections. This final verse encapsulates the human condition—an amalgamation of strengths and weaknesses, constantly seeking balance and compassion in a world full of temptations.