A Man Smoking a Cigar

Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a portrait of a man whose identity and authority seem inextricably linked to his cigar. He's depicted as a figure of quiet, almost detached power, "holdin' the world in a jar" as he "wisely" smokes. This initial image establishes a sense of control, but also a certain distance, as if the cigar itself is the true source of his gravitas, not necessarily his actions or words. The central tension arises from the contrast between the man's outward projection of command and the underlying suggestion that his power is a performance, heavily reliant on props. He leads "troops into war" and confuses opponents with a "smokescreen," all while his "big feet on the desk" and his interactions "on the phone" suggest a more mundane, perhaps even childish, reality. The narrator observes this, offering a "salute" that feels tinged with irony, recognizing the theatricality of the scene. The most striking craft element is the consistent, almost obsessive focus on the cigar as an extension of the man's persona. It's not just an accessory; it's a tool for deception ("smokescreen"), a symbol of his "throne," and something he waves "in the air" to "controll[e] big things." The lyrics suggest that "without your cigar you're weak," highlighting its crucial role in maintaining his image, even as it lies "asleep" in the ashtray when he's not actively performing. Ultimately, the effectiveness of these lyrics lies in their sharp, observational detail that deconstructs a figure of authority. The narrator's detached yet pointed commentary, coupled with the recurring imagery of the cigar, creates a compelling critique of manufactured power. The final, almost absurd, question about having a baby, juxtaposed with the man still smoking his cigar, leaves the listener pondering the true nature of his accomplishments and his personal life, reinforcing the idea that the cigar is his primary, perhaps only, defining characteristic.