About the Song
Yet another break-up song, “Chesterfield” explores the end of a relationship between a man and his cigarettes. It is perhaps one of the saddest renditions ever attempted by The Scrub Babies. Auditors are therefore cautioned that they listen at their own risk.
Image above is from a photograph of a carton of Chesterfield Regulars. Image credit: O. Poz
Chesterfield
Words and Music by Thomas Gannett
My back against the wind I strike the blaze.
And in my mind I recollect the days,
days when I was on my own;
I never was alone
with you there.
They say that you're not good for me, I know.
They say I must not bask in your warm glow.
But you are my constancy,
you illumine my path for me.
Chesterfield, Chesterfield—
onward without your spark—
the way ahead is dark.
Chesterfield, Chesterfield—
So I must now take my leave of you:
They tell me it's the only thing to do.
You have been with me day and night;
when all was dark you were my light.
How can I let you go?
The stains on my fingers will fade, I know;
my metabolic processes will slow.
My mind will wander aimlessly,
when at last I set you free—
How can I set you free?
Chesterfield, Chesterfield—
so hard to say goodbye
the way you satisfy.
Chesterfield, Chesterfield—
Chesterfield—
[spoken]
Chester, you’re not king size: you’re regular. You’re better than king size.
And you know, I think back on all the time we shared,
the good times and the bad.
But you steadied me against the vicissitudes;
you tempered me to grasp the thought that eludes.
And you came with coupons, man, LMC, fourteen to a carton.
I probably still have boxes full of those things somewhere. . . .
But I’m rambling, now. That’s what happens without nicotine.
The point is, when I quit smoking, they quit manufacturing you.
[Repeat second chorus]