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Mixtape: The 10 Best Songs About Coffee

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It’s before noon on a Wednesday. There’s a good chance you’re not far from your next cup of coffee. Or from your last one. We’ve all become addicted to the delicious goodness and the caffeine high it generates with each delectable sip. It’s no surprise then that musicians have found a love of the deep black drink as well. Maybe it’s not as high on the songwriting subject list as sex or love or breakups or drugs, but some musicians have such passion for the drink that it has made for some tremendous tunes. Here, what we think are the best ones.

10. Johnny Cash – “A Cup of Coffee”
We kick off the list with the legendary Man in Black singing about the delicious black goo and turning it into a little catch up session with his buddy Jack Elliot while hauling some grain down the highway. About midway through you realize that he shouldn’t be driving that semi, no matter how much coffee he drinks.
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9. Kate Bush – “Coffee Homeground”
Lionheart is an underrated classic, and this is one of our favorite songs off the album. The lyrics are sinister, and tune is oddly carnival-like — like something we imagine coming out of a German cabaret back in the ’30s.
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8. Bob Marley – “One Cup of Coffee”
As one of the first singles he ever released, “One Cup of Coffee” doesn’t really sound anything like what we came to know as Bob Marley. It’s upbeat, considering that it’s about divorce, but we suppose no one can be terribly depressed when they’re drinking some high octane, Jamaican coffee.
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7. Blur – “Coffee & TV”
Truth be told Blur’s foray into crafting a java ode is a little deeper than most. Rather than just singing about their love of a drink, the band took the chance to make a statement. What they were trying to say, we’re not totally sure.
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6. Beastie Boys – “Intergalactic”
The best rap lyric about coffee? May we suggest: “When it comes to beats well I’m a fiend/I like my sugar with coffee and cream/Well I got to keep it going keep it going full steam.”
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5. Black Flag – “Black Coffee”
Any coffee purist who takes his coffee black knows that it can have a soul of its own. The darkness could represent despair or depression; Henry Rollins seems to think it represents anger. Maye he just burnt his lip prior to slamming down the tune.
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4. The White Stripes – “One More Cup of Coffee”
Is there anything Bob Dylan can’t write a song about? The man seems to have tackled every subject possible and has made each one wholly his own. Here, he’s using coffee as more of a measure for moments in life, but we can all relate to that, just like Meg and Jack do in this cover.
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3. Cream – “The Coffee Song”
What do Eric Clapton and coffee have in common? They both suck without Cream! This song does not suck, in fact it should be used in commercials for Dunkin’ or Starbucks or Folgers. Truly an ode devoted to sipping your hot coffee no matter what the time or occasion.
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2. Frank Sinatra – “The Coffee Song”
After hearing Frank Sinatra expunge on coffee and its prevalence in Brazil, you might think that it’s the only thing he knows about the South American nation. Old Blue Eyes sings ecstatically about the Brazilian blends and the girls that smell like fresh java, and he makes it sound amazing as Sinatra always does.
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1. The Descendents – “Coffee Mug”
At just 35-seconds long The Descendents’ itty bitty ode to our favorite beverage may seem a little short for consideration, but the ramped up assault of this song perfectly captures the sugary rush we get every time we drink another cup. “I don’t need no booze or drugs/I just chug-a-lug o’ my coffee mug,” sings Milo Aukerman. Honestly, we couldn’t agree more.
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Bonus video: Dave Grohl in “Fresh Pots”

So, what’s your favorite song about coffee?

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Comments (58)

no Carly Simon You’re so Vain? pretty sure anyone can search their itunes and google for songs with the word “coffee” in the title.

i suggest… pino daniele….. na tazzulella e’ cafè… italo-neapolitania favourite coffee and song…. wow..

k.d. lang’s “Black Coffee”

Why include the White Stripes’ cover of “One More Cup of Coffee” when Dylan’s original version with Emmylou Harris is so fabulous itself?

Everlast’s “Black Coffee”
She smelled like flowers, she tastes like toffee
She kissed me slowly, she held me softly
Got too close and she backed up off me
Left me stone cold sober just like black coffee
Just like black coffee

Ooh. Great post! We actually have a playlist of coffee songs at our house. Top of the list is Natalie Cole’s “Coffee Time.” There’s also a song from the Inkspots called “Java Jive.” We have the Frank Sinatra song, as well as Chris Rice’s “Smellin’ Coffee” and “Coffee” from a guy named Lebrado. There’s a children’s song, “The Coffee Song,” by Ralph’s World and even a coffee jingle from Prairie Home Companion. “Two Cups of Coffee” by Josh Kelley and “Coffee” by Dave Miller.

Otis Redding’s Cigarettes and Coffee is a conspicuous absentee

black coffee in bed by squeeze

Cigarettes and coffee – Otis Redding is one of the most beautiful songs ever. It should top the list.

Haroo’s “Love is Coffee”.

these are such good suggestions I may have to change this into a top 25 in the future! keep the coffee songs coming!

“Java Jive” by the Inkspots is the best coffee song ever!

Ella Fitzgerald singing “Black Coffee”

Where is Squeeze’s Black Coffee in Bed?

Miss Peggy Lee’s version of Black Coffee.

Ditto on Squeeze’s “Black Coffee in Bed” and the original “One More Cup of Cofee”.

Mark Heard’s “Nod Over Coffee”, as sung by Pierce Pettis on his “Chase the Buffalo” album. Fantastic.

uh, black flag fanatic here to say that Rollins did not write black coffee, Greg Ginn did. Rollins wrote some awesome songs on that album, but black coffee was not one of them.
rockin list, tho, thanks.

The ink spots Java Jive is surely the ultimate coffee song – thanks for reminding us Pat

Yes–I agree. Otis Redding’s Cigarrettes and Coffee should be #1

Coffee in the Pot by Supergrass always gets me percolating!!!

“Java Blues” by Rick Danko, also covered by Nazareth.

“You know that I’ll stay high
I’ll drink coffee ’til I die
Don’t pour me water just fill up my cup
You know it takes a lot just to keep me up”

CIGARETTES AND COFFEE — otis redding

m.o.m.m.y. needs c.o.f.f.e.e. – ralph’s world. never were truer words spoken.

You left out “Lovin’ Spoonful” by Mississippi John Hurt

more, more, more!

@moxie: “Java Jive” by the ‘legendary’ Ink Spots DEFINITELY should have made this list.

Aesop Rock And John Darnielle – ‘Coffee’

none for “Stumptown” by Nickel Creek? Sure it’s instrumental, but it’s how I feel with coffee!

snowmen – kopi luwak

Hefner’s ‘Hymn for the Coffee’ has been on loop on my playlist for the last two months: that’s gotta be an endorsement!!!

“Coffee, Cigarettes, and Memories” – by Jeri Southern, circa 1957. And, I agree, “The Java Jive” by the Ink Spots” is best all-time.

squeeze!!! black coffee in bed!!!!

the coffee song by Ellis?! c’mon people she’s incredible!!

“Starfish and Coffee” by Prince!! Gets points for giddiness and all the other fantasy food (“maple syrup and jam… and a side order of ham”).

How about “Coffee” by Copeland? Great song! Or “One more cup of coffee” by the White Stripes

“Smell of Coffee” by Mr Greg Brown and “One Last Cup Of Coffee” by Rufus Wainwright… proudly sit amongst my personal collection. Two of my favorite artists and two of my favorite songs.

Duncan Hills Coffee Jingle by Dethklok

Do you folks like coffee?
Real coffee
From the hills of columbia?

The duncan hills will wake you
From a thousand deaths
A blackend cup of blood
(dying dying)
You’re dying for a cup

Guatamala blend
Ethiopien
French vanilla roast
(dying dying)
You’re dying for a cup

Prepare for the Ultimate Flavor
You’re gonna get some-NOW!
And SCREAM for the CREAM

(solo)

Duncan hills
Duncan hills
Duncan hills

Coffee!

Ella Mae Morse – 40 Cups of Coffee

This is good blog message, I will keep this in mind. If you add more video and pictures because it helps understanding :)

I think the name of the song was Caffine, it was about coffee in seattle

Great info and straight to the point. I am not sure if this is really the best place to ask but do you people have any thoughts on where to hire some professional writers? Thank you :)

Do We Need The Best?

So, I was with my Dad the other day, sharing old stories, you know, picking his brain. After all, he will be 84 years old in September. He’s been around a little longer than I have.

He came from that generation of hard working people where provision for the family was key. A roof over our head, 3 square meals, clothes on our back, and provide for our immediate financial needs.

One of our topics of discussion turned to food. Mom was a great cook. She just passed away this year. In an Italian family, food was always an important topic, and we have excellent memories about Mom’s cooking.

Well, Dad, being older now and with out Mom, tends to go to restaurantswhen he’s not at our house. Restaurants can leave a lot to be desired when it comes to healthy and great tasting food. We all tend to choose where we eat in different ways. For some it’s all about money (the cheaper the better). Others need the ambience (comfort and elegance). And finally, some go for a fair price for a good meal (not the cheapest, or the most expensive). For me, I lean toward the third category. Give me a meal that is fresh, good presentation, healthy with great taste at a fair price and I’m happy and so is my body.

Giving this info to my Dad, changed (I think) his perspective on where he eats. Garbage in, does nothing for your health or your dining experience. I found out Dad was going to a fairly cheap restaurant serving pre-cooked bacon and just plain loading a plate with plenty of filling items, some without nutritional value, not to mention the absence of great taste. So I recommended a friend’s restaurant that just opened in a location downtown, close to where my Dad lives. Yes, the food was more expensive, but what a pleasurable treat. Fair price, good presentation, great taste, wonderful service and all for $3 to $4 more in cost.

I just found out Dad went back to the cheap place the other morning for breakfast, it’s hard to teach an old dog new tricks, but I know he will be back at my friend’s place again, because he tasted the difference first hand.

Do we need the best? No.
Do we need the cheapest? No.
Do we need the most expensive? No.

Search out the places that have your best interest in mind. Buy quality products at a fair price. When you find a restaurant or business that serves you well, spread the word and support them.

Our goal at Coffee Lovers USA is to be that place that serves you well. Hopefully this article will give you a little bit of insight into who we are and what we are all about.
Here to serve you. “Anytime Is Coffee Time!”

Descendents, yes. but wouldnt “kids on coffee” be the better song choice?

Dear Patrick Duffy, how could you skip Otis Redding’s “Cigarettes and Coffee”? It is the most ultimately romantic coffee jam. Also, please see my masterpiece, re: “Coffee Mug” — http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eXFDiNJqwgg

WHY ESPRESSO?
Espresso for me was, well, just a part of everyday life
growing up in anItalian family. They brewed a pot daily.
It was an unforgettable and pleasantaroma. I could always
tell the difference between regular Java and Espresso.
There was a deeper richer aroma throughout the house,
which, informed mytaste buds that who ever took part in
this special brew was in for a real treat.

There was also a big difference in the brewing pot used.
It was much heavier and had a particular European design to it.
Espresso machines todayare much fancier and better equipped
to give you that perfect cup of Espresso.

The old pot we used wasn’t bad and the family enjoyed their
Espresso intwo different ways, two teaspoons of sugar or
some Anisette added to a demitasse cup. Either combination,
along with some Biscotti, turns coffee drinkers into Coffee Lovers.

Start your day with an espresso, enjoy one of the simple pleasures
of life.Take time out and smell the coffee!
“Anytime Is Coffee Time!”

i reckon you got it right, Dylan can sing about anything and rock your soul!

Glad you put in there!

Mark

Nobody has mentioned “Java Jive” by the Manhattan Transfer, a great upbeat song.

[...] spend their days behind a desk, we love our coffee. Last year, we were even inspired enough to make a mixtape about it. And if there’s one thing we know about people who feel strongly about coffee, it’s [...]

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