The Medusa Fora

I still, however, think that the lyrics in this song are way ahead of the music.
agree? disagree?

I agree. I think there are way better musical tunes in that album. The turkish song of the damned, Fairy tale of New York or Streets of Sorrow Birmingham six, but, yes, the lyrics to the bottle of smoke are genius.

Well, hmm...it's true there isn't much of a melody here, and in fact it sometimes calls to mind "Three Blind Mice". But the arrangement on the studio version - ah, now that's a great sound. A fine framework on which to hang such perfect lyrics.

And that "race-track" speed and rhythm carries the lyrics along brilliantly... 'tis a great sound indeed, sheva.

Worm, we always play TBOS unless there is a pre-gig Steward's Inquiry into the length of our show.

philipchevron wrote:Worm, we always play TBOS unless there is a pre-gig Steward's Inquiry into the length of our show.

wow, that´s great news. thanks, mr. chevron. me is more excited about the show knowing that

Fuck me!! Band participation. I'm liking this forum already. Bottle of Smoke - One of the most optimistic songs I've ever heard. Beatin the odds and what have ya? Mmmm.... yes!!

FUCK THE YANKS AND DRINK THEIR WIVES!

TBOS is an awesome song of defiance. One of my favourites live.
Those first few accordian bars make the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end. Total magic!

Desiderius wrote:FUCK THE YANKS AND DRINK THEIR WIVES!

Even though I wish those lyrics were switched around, I still think thats one of the best lines of the song. Also, I think that for some songs, melodies can ruin the whole damn thing. I absolutely hate American blues bands that try and throw some stupid guitar diddy or riff over their songs. The Stones did a relatively good job at avoiding that as well. NOW, if there is one band in the world that I am very thankful put melodies in their songs....it is the Pogues, haha. I could not imagine their songs without it: and im many cases very attractive melodies were what made those songs so great and enjoyable. But songs with driving rythym like Bottle are perfect the way they are. Anyway...

i'll join where do i sign in?? i love bottle of smoke..
everytime i'm going to a party i always listen to it to get me
in the right partymood

Thanks & Praises, sign me up. Reminds me of going to the horse track with my father.

Can anybody shed some light on the origins of this fabulous song?
Was the Bottle Of Smoke a real horse?
Is it a Pogues original or a traditional song?
Cheers everybody

not sure of the orgins, but i know its a pogues orginal written by Shane MacGowan & Jem Finer

In bottle of smoke I caught Shane saying "F--k the Yanks". Also in "the body of an American" it sounds like he is making fun of Americans. So I can conclude that Shane is anti-American? This is kind of hurtful because I am American. Post if you have heard more anti-American comments from the Pogues. This is hurtful to an American Pogues fan.