I am just a friendly cigarette-- don't be afraid of me!

Why, all the advertisers say I'm harmless as can be!

They tell me I'm your best friend (I like that cunning lie),

And say, ''You'll walk a mile for use,'' because I satisfy.

So, come on, girls - be a sport! Why longer hesitate?

With me between your pretty lips, you'll be quite up to date.

You may not like me right at the first, but very soon, I'll bet,

You'll find, you just can't get along without a cigarette!

You've smoked one package, so I know I've nothing now to fear;

When once I get a grip on girls, they're mine for life, my dear!

Your freedom, you began to lose the very day we met,

When I convinced you it was smart to smoke a cigarette.

The color's fading from your lips; your fingertips are stained,

And now you'd like to give me up, but, sister, you are chained!

You even took a drink last night - I thought you would ere long,

For those I enslave soon lose their sense of right and wrong.

Year after year I've fettered you and lead you blindly on;

'Till now you're just a bunch of nerves with looks and health both gone;

You're pale and thin and have a cough-doctor says, "T. B.";

He says you can't expect to live much longer, thanks to me!

But, it's too late to worry when once you become my slave,

For you should have known at the start, you'd fill an early grave.

Now, that I have done my best to send your soul to bell,

I'll leave you with my partner, death - he's come for you -Farewell!