Country Music

Classic Country Music Hits

Country Music

Three Cigarettes in an Ashtray – Patsy Cline

“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”

Introduction

Patsy Cline’s hauntingly beautiful song “Three Cigarettes in an Ashtray” is a poignant reflection on love lost, wrapped in her signature emotive vocal style. This song captures the essence of Cline’s ability to convey deep emotion and vulnerability, making it a timeless piece in her discography. Listening to this track feels like stepping back in time, where the smoky ambiance of a dimly lit bar can almost be felt through her voice.

About The Composition

  • Title: Three Cigarettes in an Ashtray
  • Composer: Eddie Miller and W.S. Stevenson
  • Premiere Date: 1957
  • Album/Opus/Collection: Patsy Cline
  • Genre: Country

Background

“Three Cigarettes in an Ashtray” was recorded during a period when Patsy Cline was transitioning from the honky-tonk style to the more polished Nashville Sound, which would later define her career. Released in 1957, the song was not a major hit at the time but has since gained recognition for its emotional depth and Cline’s vocal performance. It captures a moment of introspection and heartbreak, themes that resonate with many listeners.

Musical Style

The song features a slow, melancholic tempo that complements Cline’s rich, emotive vocals. The arrangement is simple, yet effective, with a minimalistic instrumental backing that allows her voice to take center stage. This style is characteristic of the era, emphasizing the narrative and emotional delivery.

Lyrics/Libretto

The lyrics of “Three Cigarettes in an Ashtray” tell the story of a love triangle, where the singer is left alone as the other two parties leave together. The imagery of the cigarettes symbolizes the fading and eventual extinguishing of love, capturing the essence of loss and solitude.

Performance History

Although not widely performed during her lifetime, “Three Cigarettes in an Ashtray” has been covered by various artists over the years, each bringing their own interpretation to the song. Patsy Cline’s original recording remains the most iconic, often revisited by fans of classic country music.

Cultural Impact

The song has appeared in various media, including films and television shows, highlighting its enduring appeal and emotional resonance. It stands as a testament to Patsy Cline’s influence on the genre and her ability to touch listeners’ hearts with her storytelling.

Legacy

Today, “Three Cigarettes in an Ashtray” is considered a classic in the country music canon. It showcases Patsy Cline’s exceptional talent and has contributed to her legacy as one of the most influential female vocalists in the history of the genre.

Conclusion

Listening to “Three Cigarettes in an Ashtray” is a journey into the depths of human emotion, beautifully conveyed through Patsy Cline’s voice. This song, with its timeless quality, invites new listeners to explore Cline’s remarkable contributions to music. I encourage you to delve deeper into her discography and experience the magic of her artistry firsthand.

Video

Lyrics

Two cigarettes in an ashtray
My love and i, in a small caf?br> then a stranger came along
And everything went wrong
Now there’s three cigarettes in the ashtray
I watched her take him from me
And his love is no longer my own
Now they are gone
And i sit alone
And watch one cigarette burn away
(repeat last verse)
© acuff rose music, inc. (bmi)

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