The song "Cigarettes" by Carlie Hanson tells the story of a broken relationship and the emotional aftermath that follows. The lyrics convey feelings of sadness and longing, as the protagonist reflects on the past and tries to come to terms with the pain they are experiencing. The song begins with the protagonist asking how the other person is feeling, while also acknowledging their own struggle to cope with the situation. Despite feeling down, they reassure themselves that they will eventually be fine with time. The chorus reveals the betrayal and broken promises in the relationship. The protagonist trusted the other person, but they discovered that the person lied and ultimately left to pursue their freedom. This revelation has left the protagonist feeling broken and struggling to breathe. The metaphor of cigarettes in a dirty ashtray is used throughout the song to symbolize the regrets and unspoken words that the protagonist carries. It represents the mess left behind and the desire to wash away the pain and start anew. They long to find closure but are unable to find the reasons behind the other person's actions. The song acknowledges the difficulty of moving on from a failed relationship, as the protagonist still thinks about the other person and wonders if they are also thinking about them. They express a desire to avoid further conflict and just want to find closure now that the relationship is over. Overall, "Cigarettes" captures the emotional turmoil and longing experienced after a relationship ends, where the protagonist is left with regrets, unanswered questions, and the longing to heal and move on.
