My Last Cigarette

Album: single release only (1963)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Not to be confused with any song of a similar title, "My Last Cigarette" was written by Sydney Carter (1915-2004). Carter was a poet and folk singer in his own right, but this delightful if worrying little ditty was recorded by the actress Sheila Hancock fairly early on in her career. Although strictly speaking a novelty song, "My Last Cigarette" could have been written by an anti-smoking activist, and it is somewhat surprising that it hasn't been adopted by some anti-smoking pressure group as its anthem. Performed with an acoustic guitar accompaniment, it was released on the Decca label produced by Transatlantic Records in March 1963. There is a short dialogue introduction, and some coughing throughout the song until at the end, well, let's just say it really was her last cigarette. The song has a delightful hook: "When I've had just one more cigarette."
  • This appears to be the only single Sheila Hancock ever released, although she has appeared in the occasional musical both before and since. >>
    Suggestion credit:
    Alexander Baron - London, England, for above 2

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Joe Elliott of Def Leppard

Joe Elliott of Def LeppardSongwriter Interviews

The Def Leppard frontman talks about their "lamentable" hit he never thought of as a single, and why he's juiced by his Mott The Hoople cover band.

Laura Nyro

Laura NyroSongwriting Legends

Laura Nyro talks about her complex, emotionally rich songwriting and how she supports women's culture through her art.

Dwight Twilley

Dwight TwilleySongwriter Interviews

Since his debut single "I'm On Fire" in 1975, Dwight has been providing Spinal-Tap moments and misadventure.

Why Does Everybody Hate Nu-Metal? Your Metal Questions Answered

Why Does Everybody Hate Nu-Metal? Your Metal Questions AnsweredSong Writing

10 Questions for the author of Precious Metal: Decibel Presents the Stories Behind 25 Extreme Metal Masterpieces

Billy Joe Shaver

Billy Joe ShaverSongwriter Interviews

The outlaw country icon talks about the spiritual element of his songwriting and his Bob Dylan mention.

Gene Simmons of Kiss

Gene Simmons of KissSongwriter Interviews

The Kiss rocker covers a lot of ground in this interview, including why there are no Kiss collaborations, and why the Rock Hall has "become a sham."