Cigarettes out the Window is a song by the indie pop band TV Girl, known for their dreamy, lo-fi sound and clever, often wistful lyrics. Released in 2010, the song is one of the band’s most popular trails, digest their signature style and themes.
The lyrics tell the story of a dysfunctional relationship, where the reciter finds give solace to in the everyday moments of life, such as smoking gasper out the window. It captures a sense of disillusion and longing, set against a backdrop of memorable melodies and wistful samples.
TV Girl, formed in 2010 by Brad Petering and Trung Ngo, achieved a following through their distinctive blend of indie pop, sampling, and witty narration. “Cigarettes out the Window” became a standout trail on their first showing EP, “Benny and the Jetts,” and helped initiate their repute as a band with a distinct voice in the indie music scene.
Since its release, “Cigarettes out the Window” has collected millions of streams and remains a beloved fan favorite, symbolic of TV Girl’s knack for preparing bittersweet, catching tunes that resonate with listeners.
Lyrics
My girl Liddy used to always smoke
Cigarettes when she couldn’t sleep
She’d disappear for an hour and a half
And when she’d come back she’d brush her teeth
But I could still smell it on her raggedy tee
And I could taste it on her lips when we kiss
Poor little Liddy used to always quit
But she never really quit
She’d just say she did
Cigarettes, cigarettes out the window (oh-oh)
Cigarettes, cigarettes out the window (oh-oh)
Cigarettes, cigarettes out the window (oh-oh)
Cigarettes, cigarettes out the window (oh-oh)
My girl Liddy used to always smoke
Cigarettes when she couldn’t sleep
I wonder what she did when she got done
I guess she’d just flick them out in the street
Poor little Liddy, she wishes it was dark
But it’s never really dark in L.A.
The light from the billboard always shines
But it changed twelve times since you went away
Cigarettes, cigarettes out the window (oh-oh)
Cigarettes, cigarettes out the window (oh-oh)
Cigarettes, cigarettes out the window (oh-oh)
Cigarettes, cigarettes out the window (oh-oh)
We’ll find moonlit nights strangely empty
Because when you call my name through them
There will be no answer
Rather melodramatic, aren’t you?
We’ll find moonlit nights strangely empty
Because when you call my name through them
There will be no answer
You mind if I smoke?
We’ll find moonlit nights strangely empty
Because when you call my name through them
There will be no answer
I always smoke in the theater
We’ll find moonlit nights strangely empty
Because when you call my name through them
There’ll be no answer
Somehow it enhances the performance