YouTube on fire with “Cigarette” song

These days even expressing ambiguity about cigarettes can put you in danger of the anti-smoking thought police. Conversing about the pleasure of smoking or the difficulties of quitting can get you called a shill for tobacco companies.

So Canadian singer Jeremy Fisher is at the center of a storm with the video for his song “Cigarette.” The song compares relationships and breakups with the pains and pleasure of smoking and trying to quit. It features lines like, “I’ll be your cigarette … Good or bad, I’m just your habit.” Fisher, who sings in the lite alternative rock style of Ben Folds, makes the tune infectious. You can’t help but tap your foot and sing along.

But it’s the video itself that’s really making YouTube go aflame. It features a dancing cigarette, like those in commercials of old. Needless to say, it’s attracting attention—and controversy. There have been more than 1.2 million views and almost 2,000 comments. The comments are from some saying this glamorizes cigarettes and others shouting them down.

For OpenMarket readers in D.C., Fisher will be at the Black Cat tonight.