“I Went Outside For A Cigarette” is an open-ended tale in a “Bar Romantic” style that hints of, yes, love but also of the life changing consequences that sometimes result from small, barely considered actions and, perhaps, of meeting, one frosty eve, the ultimate stranger – you.
I wrote it one day after watching several Youtube videos of Serge Gainsbourg in action, and started thinking about how while we always see loads of stuff in the media about how smoking makes you sick (which plainly, it does), we also live with this more subtle message, via Hollywood, fashion, music stars, etc, that smoking is in fact cool and sexy. It plainly does look awesome – sometimes – although sometimes is also looks sad and ugly – and it always stinks.
So that’s the first random thought that lead me to write the song, but in fact there is (thank goodness) a deeper level to the song than just “smoking is sexy”. I also got drawn into the story of the protagonist, how he just casually stepped outside for a smoke, only for his whole life to change completely due to a chance meeting. Who knows what happened after that?
This happens to us all the time, we make small decisions that have massive consequences in our lives. And realising this brings the power back to us. You are not nearly as insignificant in your ability to shape your life as you may think you are. In fact you create your life decision by decision, action by action. If you tap into this, and bring more awareness to your actions, you can put yourself in the position to experience what other people haplessly call “good luck”. That’s the gift to you in this song. Every time you listen to it, think about that and feel excited about the little steps you can take to open yourself up to awesome new experiences and adventure.
released June 1, 2012
Song copyright 2012 Seamus Anthony
Performers:
Seamus Anthony – vocals, acoustic & electric guitars, bass
Joe Hammond – drums
Aggie G – backing vocals (chorus) – how is it I don’t have any photos of the best looking individual involved in this project?
Spindickle – backing vocals (2nd verse)
Recorded, mixed by Joe Hammond at Pots and Pans Recording Studio
Sparkly Mastering by Rob McMullan
Cover photo (lady smoking) credit: Luigi Morante – under Creative Commons license.
Photo of Seamus ... possibly Barry Takes Photos ... actually not sure anymore...
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