About the song
“Smokey Put the Sweat on Me” by Kris Kristofferson is a gritty and intense song that delves into the darker aspects of life on the edge. Featured on his 1974 album *Spooky Lady’s Sideshow*, the track tells the story of a man struggling with the consequences of his choices, including run-ins with the law and the pressures of living a hard, fast life. The song reflects Kristofferson’s ability to capture the raw, unvarnished reality of human experience, blending storytelling with a sense of urgency and tension.
The lyrics depict a character who finds himself in trouble, recounting his experiences with a lawman named Smokey. The repeated line, “Smokey put the sweat on me,” suggests a relentless pursuit, a situation where the protagonist is constantly under pressure and scrutiny. This tension is palpable throughout the song, creating a sense of being trapped or cornered, with no easy way out. It’s a vivid portrayal of the anxiety and desperation that accompany a life of defiance and rebellion.
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Musically, “Smokey Put the Sweat on Me” has a raw, bluesy feel, with a driving rhythm and a gritty, electric guitar riff that underpins the urgency of the lyrics. The song’s arrangement, featuring a powerful beat and moody instrumentation, complements the dark, tense atmosphere of the narrative. Kristofferson’s vocal delivery is rugged and intense, conveying the desperation and defiance of someone who feels the heat of the law closing in on him.
The song can be seen as a metaphor for the struggles faced by those who live outside the mainstream, whether through a life of crime, addiction, or other forms of rebellion. It explores the constant pressure and fear of being caught or punished, as well as the mental and emotional toll of such a life. The sense of being pursued and the inevitability of a showdown with the authorities highlight the high stakes and the danger inherent in living on the edge.
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“Smokey Put the Sweat on Me” stands out as a testament to Kristofferson’s storytelling prowess and his ability to convey complex emotions and situations through his music. The song’s gritty realism and evocative narrative make it a powerful piece that resonates with anyone who has ever felt the weight of their choices or the pressure of being pursued by forces beyond their control.
It’s a compelling track that captures the darker side of the human experience, blending raw emotion with a stark, unflinching look at the consequences of a life lived under pressure.
Video
Lyrics
“Smokey Put The Sweat On Me”
New York City to the Golden Gate
I’ve lived with some, and buddy, I loved ’em all. (Yes, I did)
But no one woman had a claim on me
‘Cause I still had a lotta world to see
And I sometimes stagger, but sugar, I seldom fall.
Then like a hungry man, I went to Louisiana
Where the lovin’ and the livin’ was good
Without a care to hide and just as satisfied as I could be.
A lotta women and wine and not a tie to bind me
And behaving just as cool as I could
‘Til that long legged, sweet walkin’ ravenhaired cajun lookin’
Devil put the sweat on me
They call her Smokey, she’s a little bit-a evil
Smokey, right as wrong can be.
Smokey, she could shake the very devil
Smokey put the sweat on me.
Oh, my pulse is a beatin’ to the clickety clack
Of this one-way ride that’s gonna take me back
And my body’s just a-breathin’ in that Mississippi River smell
Well, my feet wasn’t ready yet for settling down
But my soul kept tellin’ me to turn around
And the longer I tried to fight it, the harder I fell
And like a hungry man, I went to Louisiana
Where the lovin’ and the livin’ is good
I’ll get a brand new bride and be as satisfied as I can be
And I won’t even mind the world I’m leavin’ behind
Because I never really thought that I could
‘Til that long legged, sweet walkin’ ravenhaired cajun looking devil
Put the sweat on me.
They call her Smokey, she’s a little bit-a evil
Smokey, right as wrong can be
Smokey, she could shake the very devil
Smokey put the sweat on me
Smokey put the sweat on me
Awww, Smokey put the sweat on me.