At Simply Cigars London, we celebrate craftsmanship, authenticity and artistry — qualities that also define Pink Floyd’s 1975 masterpiece Have a Cigar. Like a well-aged Havana, its layers of sarcasm and sophistication reveal more with every listen.
A Toast to Success – or a Satire of It?
“Have a Cigar” is Pink Floyd’s razor-sharp critique of the corporate music world. Written by Roger Waters, the lyrics expose how record executives valued profit over creativity.
The immortal line “Oh by the way, which one’s Pink?” reportedly came from a genuine executive, perfectly encapsulating industry ignorance.
Just as a premium cigar rewards patience and understanding, Have a Cigar rewards careful listening — a slow burn revealing the tension between art and ambition.
Roy Harper’s Distinctive Voice
Instead of Waters or David Gilmour singing lead, folk-rock artist Roy Harper (recording next door at Abbey Road) delivered a perfectly cynical vocal. His sneering tone gave life to the satirical “music-exec” character who casually offers cigars as symbols of shallow success.
The Cigar as a Symbol
In the song, the cigar symbolises power, ego and excess — a prop for hollow celebration. Yet for cigar lovers, a cigar is something deeper: heritage, craftsmanship and authenticity.
At Simply Cigars, we reclaim that image — reminding enthusiasts that a fine Partagás Serie D No. 4 or Montecristo Edmundo represents artistry and patience, not arrogance.
Browse our luxury cigar accessories to complete the experience — humidors, cutters and lighters worthy of Pink Floyd’s meticulous detail.
Musical Craftsmanship and the Art of the Roll
“Have a Cigar” fuses funk, blues and classic rock through Gilmour’s wah-tinged guitars and Richard Wright’skeyboards. Every layer mirrors the careful construction of a hand-rolled cigar — filler, binder, and wrapper working in harmony.
Both demand skill, balance and time — proof that true mastery can’t be mass-produced.
Legacy That Still Burns Bright
Nearly 50 years later, “Have a Cigar” remains a rock radio staple and cultural reference point. Like the enduring appeal of Cuban cigars, its message about integrity over profit still resonates.
When you next light up, savour that connection between artistry, individuality and authenticity — values Pink Floyd championed and Simply Cigars lives by.
“Come in here, dear boy, have a cigar” — this time, for the right reasons.