Smoking is a major vice of many musicians. Whether cigarettes or marijuana, rock stars love singing about their favorite vices. Let’s listen to the best songs about smoke and smoking.
1. “Because I Got High” by Afroman
Song Year: 2000
Truly one of the most popular songs about smoking, this hit has over 250 million views on Youtube!
Afroman burst onto the hip-hop scene in 2000 with his hit, “Because I Got High.” While it’s his only major hit, it’s a memorable journey through a fun hip-hop- song.
The song tells the story of two friends who were ready to have an ambitious day and get things done. Instead, they smoke weed and don’t accomplish any of their plans. The song paints a fun and comedic take on what happens when you smoke too much weed.
While the song is a fun and lighthearted adventure, you should take Afroman’s warning if you have important plans before getting high.
2. “Smokin’ In the Boys Room” by Motley Crue
Song Year: 1985
Originally a hit in 1973 for Brownsville Station, the Motley Crue version of “Smokin’ In the Boys Room” is an iconic track about smoking and rebellion. The track was the metal group’s first top 40 hit and firmly established the group as one of the biggest metal acts of the 80s.
The song is an edgy reminder to rebel against overbearing norms and rules. The song perfectly captures the anti-establishment pop mentalities of Motley Crue and leaves the audience begging for more throughout the track.
3. “Hits From the Bong” by Cyprus Hill
Song Year: 1993
One of the most memorable marijuana anthems, “Hits From the Bong”, is an ode to Cyprus Hill’s favorite pastime.
The song features a mesmerizing sample of Dusty Springfield’s “Son of a Preacher Man” that hooks you right from the start. Over the sample, you’ll enjoy B-Real’s unique lyrical styles and a smooth flow from Sen Dog.
Even if you don’t smoke weed, “Hits From the Bong” is a staple of 90s West Coast Hip-Hop that every fan should own.
4. “Mary Jane” by Rick James
Song Year: 1978
On first listen, you might think “Mary Jane” is about the love of Rick Jame’s life. Of course, if you know slang, “Mary Jane” refers to marijuana.
The song is pure 70s funk with Jame’s typical over-the-top flair. He uses the song to sing about the seductive allure of marijuana and how it has the same intoxicating effects as falling in love.
If there’s a perfect stoner song, “Mary Jane” would be a top candidate.
5. “Have a Cigar” by Pink Floyd
Song Year: 1975
“Have a Cigar” is a deep and dark critique of greed in capitalist society. Roger is quoted as saying, “Have a Cigar” is the follow-up to “Money” and the song is a direct complaint about the record industry.
The cigar lyric directly references a record executive’s attempt at bribing the band. As they arrive for a meeting, the exec tries to seduce the group with promises and rewards. Of course, they know that the record companies will overpromise and underdeliver on the word.
6. “Cigarette Daydreams” by Cage The Elephant
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=opeETnB8m8w
Song Year: 2014
“Cigarette Daydreams” was the third single on the album “Melophobia.” The song was a major hit for the group and peaked at number one on the Billboard Alternative Songs chart.
The song features a softer sound than you’d expect from Cage The Elephant but still delivers a powerful and brooding message.
While the song is not directly about smoking, the band uses the metaphor “Cigarette Daydreams” to give their listeners a sense of nostalgia.
7. “Roll Me Up” by Willie Nelson
Song Year: 2012
Willie Nelson has played an important part in marijuana advocacy for over seventy years. The master singer/songwriter wants everyone to know the power and potential of smoking marijuana.
In 2012, Nelson released “Roll Me Up.” The song is an ode to marijuana, and Nelson uses the song to express his love for smoking weed. He’s joined by Snoop Dogg, Kris Kristofferson, and Jamey Johnson on the track.
8. “I Get Lifted” by KC & The Sunshine Band
Song Year: 1975
Disco and funk music are no strangers to songs about enjoying life and partying. No one was better at fusing these two genres in the seventies than KC & The Sunshine Band gave us their anthem, “Ï Get Lifted.”
The song is about getting stoned with friends and was a modest success in the 70s. Today, it’s a timeless classic that you’ll hear at nearly every wedding or disco party in town.
9. “Let’s Get Stoned” by Ray Charles
Song Year: 1966
Ray Charles sang about his enjoyment of marijuana in 1966 on “Let’s Get Stoned.”
Charles uses a blend of deep blues and soul music to get his message across on the track. His vocal performance is legendary and fills the track. As for the content, the song delves into complex relationships and how getting stoned gives him temporary relief from the pain and heartache.
At a time when the war on drugs was getting started, Ray Charle’s proved his bravery while singing about taboo subjects like marijuana on this track.
10. ”Smoke! Smoke! Smoke! (That Cigarette) by Tex Williams
Song Year: 1947
Even before the dangers of cigarette smoke were proven, many people realized the dangers of smoking. “Smoke! Smoke! Smoke! (That Cigarette) is Tex Williams at his best as he dreads his addiction to smoking?
While Williams uses a comedic take on the song, he actively complains about the dangers of smoking too much and how smoking pulls him away from more fruitful activities. The song is an iconic “Don’t Smoke” public service announcement far before anti-smoking ads were real.
11. “Lipstick Traces (on a Cigarette)” by The O’Jays
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D3g6_6KqsIM
Song Year: 1965
Originally released by Benny Spellman, The 1965 O’Jays version is the most memorable version of “Lipstick Traces (on a Cigarette).” The song is a ballad with a hint of funk. Lyrically, the song covers the aftermath of a heart-wrenching breakup. You’ll feel full of regret and missed chances after listening to this track.
The song hits every nostalgia chord, from the opening piano chords to the chorus. Even something as simple as lipstick on a cigarette is enough to bring up somber memories of a lost love for the O’Jays.
12. “Cigarettes and Coffee” by Otis Redding
Song Year: 1966
Is there a more iconic vice duo than “Cigarettes and Coffee? Otis Redding doesn’t think so. If you start your morning with the same vice, you’ll understand Redding’s feelings in this song.
The song has a soft, serene backing track that fills the listener with emotion. Redding delivers a heartfelt and warm vocal as he sings the song to his lover. The song wants the listener to find enjoyment in the simplest of things. From shared intimacy to sharing time over cigarettes and coffee, you should appreciate the little things in life.
13. “Reefer Man” by Cab Calloway
Song Year: 1931
Back before prohibition and the war on drugs, marijuana was legal in many states. In 1931, Cab Calloway released his jazz masterpiece “Reefer Man” which sang about his experiences with weed.
The song is a masterclass in jazz production featuring an upbeat tempo and enticing instrumentals. Lyrically, the song is about someone they refer to as the “Reefer Man.” This person gets too high and acts weird or against societal norms of the day.
14. “Cheeba Cheeba””by Tone Loc
Song Year: 1989
Released after two massive hits for Tone Loc, “Cheeba Cheeba” was released on the same album, Loc-ed After Dark. Through fun and clever wordplay, Tone Loc has fun as he smokes a joint and parties on this early 80s hip-hop tune.
The charismatic rapper tells a fun and engaging story about partying, smoking weed, and having fun. His raspy voice pulls you in and captivates you throughout the song.
15. “Pass That Dutch” by Missy Elliott
Song Year: 2003
“Pass That Dutch” is Missy Elliott’s signature song about marijuana. The song title is slang for passing a blunt around in a circle of friends. It’s common for friends to share their weed, and everyone smokes from the same Dutch.
For extra flavor, I suggest checking out the remix of the track that includes a feature from Busta Rhymes if you want a more aggressive version of “Pass That Dutch.” The song is heralded as one of the best dance songs of the 2000s.
16. “How High” by Method Man & Redman
Song Year: 1995
“How High” was the first collaboration between Method Man & Redman. Both hip-hop megastars, this song solidified their place in weed culture royalty.
Method Man & Redman sing and praise marijuana and its effects. The song reflects the duo’s carefree attitude about marijuana and its use.
The duo went on to star in a 2001 film with the same name, “How High.”
17. “Cigarettes & Alcohol” by Oasis
Song Year: 1994
Let’s get back to smoking cigarettes. Oasis produced a hard-hitting rock anthem about “Cigarettes & Alcohol” for their debut album “Definitely Maybe.” in 1994. The song title lets Gallager channel a spirit of rebellion as the listener escapes a boring and mundane existence.
While the song didn’t garner as much attention as their bigger hits, “Cigarettes & Alcohol” is still a standout track on the album.
18. “Sweet Leaf” by Black Sabbath
Song Year: 1971
“Sweet Leaf” is Ozzy Ozzbourne’s love letter to smoking marijuana. Black Sabbath rocks hard on this track and gives it their all as they praise stoner culture and rock music on this track.
During the height of the drug war, Black Sabbath expressed their fondness for the drug and wanted everyone to know that it’s OK to enjoy smoking marijuana.
19. “Cigarettes” by Juice WRLD
Song Year: 2022
“Cigarettes” is an introspective trap tune that delves into the themes of addiction and self-destructive behavior. Released on his post-humous album, “Legends Never Die,” Juice WRLD gives us a stark look into his habits during his life.
If you’ve ever had hard times in your life, this song is a harsh reality of the struggles you need to endure.
20. “Smoke Two Joints” by Sublime
Song Year: 1992
“Smoke Two Joints” is a cover of the 1983 Toyes version of the song. Sublime gives us their signature ska reggae and rock vibe on the song and freshens it up for a 1992 release on their album “40 Oz, to Freedom.
Stoners at heart, Sublime use their style to give us a catchy tune about the fun and relaxation associated with smoking weed. It’s one of the easiest ways to take away stress, pain, and anxiety.
21. “Legalize It” by Peter Tosh
Song Year: 1976
One of the foremost advocates of marijuana and a reggae legend, Peter Tosh gave us “Legalize It” in 1976. The song is a provocative look at marijuana legalization and encourages listeners to fight for their rights related to cannabis.
While marijuana is now legal in many places, Tosh did not live to see his dreams come true.
22. “The Next Episode” by Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg and Nate Dogg
Song Year: 2000
“Smoke weed every day” might be the most memorable line ever written about smoking weed and is a testament to the staying power of Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, and Nate Dogg. With this line, “The Next Episode” burst onto the scene in 200 and helped change the face of hip-hop forever.
The trio delivers a stellar performance about life in California and the lives they live. From rocking clubs to dealing with thugs, the song encapsulates life as a rapper and gangster in the 2000s. It’s also one of Snoop Dogg’s best songs.
23. “How To Roll a Blunt” by Redman
Song Year: 1992
If you have trouble rolling your first blunt, this track is a great place to learn. The song gives you detailed and informative instructions on how to roll a blunt successfully.
Even if you’re a pro, you’ll appreciate Redman’s smooth flow and the song’s effective samples to start smoking for the day.
24. “I Got 5 On It” by Luniz
Song Year: 1995
If you smoke weed, you know it’s not cheap to buy good marijuana. Luniz has you covered, and they’ll throw some money in if you get the good stuff. “I Got 5 On It” is a laid-back, smooth groove telling the story of friends looking to buy weed.
The rappers are ready to put their share of the cash up as long as they get a good amount of weed and everyone shares to get high.
25. “Smokin’” By Boston
Song Year: 1976
Hard-hitting and rockin’ as ever, “Smoki’” is a memorable anthem from Boston. Released in 1976, the song features an intense guitar riff and high-energy drums to take you away and let you get down tonight.
The song perfectly captures the vibe of classic stadium rock with its edgy tone and carefree attitude.
26. “The Cigar Song” by Brad Paisley
Song Year: 2003
Country singers are no strangers to smoking, and Brad Paisley is here to show his enjoyment of smoking a good cigar. Right from the opening guitar twang, the listener is transported into a fun and catchy country song.
The song is a comedic take on Paisley’s fondness of Cuban cigars. He can’t afford the cigars but buys them anyway. You should listen to the song to find out the ending of this hilarious story.
27. “Three Cigarettes in an Ashtray” by Patsy Cline
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pb2oXxvvfMw
Song Year: 1957
Mournful and emotive, Pasty Cline hits the heartstrings on her single, “Three Cigarettes in an Ashtray.” The song vividly depicts love gone wrong and a broken heart. Cline experiences a harsh reality that shows her vulnerability.
If you want authenticity in your lyrics, “Thress Cigarettes in an Ashtray” delivers.
Top Songs About Smoke, Final Thoughts
As the room fills with smoke, we hope you enjoyed these songs about smoking. We have included some of the most memorable and iconic songs about smoke in our list. It’s time now to light up a joint or cigarette and put one of these songs about smoking on your turntable and enjoy.