The lyrics of "Smoke" talk about a sense of emptiness and coldness despite being surrounded by familiar comforts like books, music, and a fire. The speaker seems to be grappling with loneliness, indecision, and the feeling of outgrowing past habits like exercise.

Meaning of "Smoke" by Eskimo Joe

"Smoke" by Eskimo Joe delves into the inner struggles of the speaker, who feels a sense of emptiness and coldness despite being physically comfortable. The repetition of having only books and music, and having outgrown exercise, highlights a lack of fulfillment and the passage of time. The line "Going home and you go silent" suggests communication breakdowns or unspoken tensions in a relationship. This could symbolize feeling disconnected or misunderstood by others, leading to a sense of solitude. The speaker's internal conflict is evident in lines like "Spend your days in indecision" and "I got a lot of things on my mind this morning," reflecting a state of inner turmoil and contemplation. Ultimately, the song captures feelings of isolation, introspection, and the struggle to find contentment in the midst of emotional coldness.