SMOKO – English Lyrics

• By: THE CHATS

Lyrics & Translation

Dive into the vibrant world of Australian slang and pub-punk with THE CHATS' viral hit 'SMOKO'! This energetic track offers a humorous yet relatable glimpse into the Australian working-class experience and the importance of a well-deserved break. Through its catchy lyrics and authentic Aussie charm, 'SMOKO' is a fantastic way to pick up colloquialisms and experience a unique slice of modern Australian culture. It's a testament to the band's DIY spirit and their ability to turn everyday life into an infectious punk rock tune.

[English]

One, two, three, four

...

So let me set the scene

It's 2 in the afternoon and 34 degrees

The Queensland harsh summer heat

Had me sweating buckets all up and down my street

It was there I spotted the bloke

Perched atop of his milk crate throne

He eyed me off as I approached

Then he said

I'm on smoko, so leave me alone

I'm on smoko, so leave me alone

I'm on smoko, so leave me alone

I'm on smoko, so leave me alone

...

I'm on smoko, so leave me alone

I'm on smoko, so leave me alone

I'm on smoko, so leave me alone

I'm on smoko, so leave me alone

...

So it's Tuesday morning

And my Centrelink hasn't come through

So I pick up the phone

Because I've got some abusing to do

But all I get is elevator music, waiting on the line

On hold all the time

All I get is elevator music, waiting on the line

'Til I get a reply

I'm on smoko, so leave me alone

I'm on smoko, so leave me alone

I'm on smoko, so leave me alone

I'm on smoko, so leave me alone

...

Agh, aw, what time is it?

Is it smoko?

I'm on smoko, so leave me alone

I'm on smoko, so leave me alone

I'm on smoko, so leave me alone

I'm on smoko, so leave me alone

I'm on smoko

I'm on smoko, so leave me alone

I'm on smoko, so leave me alone

...

Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary	Meanings
scene /siːn/ A2	noun - the place where an incident in real life or fiction occurs or occurred.
degrees /dɪˈɡriːz/ A1	noun - a unit of measurement of temperature.
summer /ˈsʌmər/ A1	noun - the warmest season of the year, in the northern hemisphere from June to August and in the southern hemisphere from December to February.
heat /hiːt/ A2	noun - the quality of being hot; high temperature.
sweating /ˈswɛtɪŋ/ B1	verb - exuding moisture through the pores; perspiring.
bloke /bloʊk/ B2	noun - a man.
crate /kreɪt/ B1	noun - a slatted wooden or plastic box used for transporting goods.
throne /θroʊn/ B2	noun - a ceremonial chair for a monarch, bishop, or other dignitary.
smoko /ˈsmoʊkoʊ/ C1	noun - (Australian slang) a short break from work, especially for a cigarette.
Tuesday /ˈtjuːzdeɪ/ A1	noun - the day of the week after Monday and before Wednesday.
morning /ˈmɔːrnɪŋ/ A1	noun - the period of time between sunrise and noon.
music /ˈmjuːzɪk/ A1	noun - vocal or instrumental sounds (or both) combined in such a way as to produce beauty of form, harmony, and expression of emotion.
waiting /ˈweɪtɪŋ/ A1	verb - staying where one is or delaying action until a particular time or event.
time /taɪm/ A1	noun - the indefinite continued progress of existence and events in the past, present, and future regarded as a whole.