“One Toke Over the Line” by Brewer and Shipley
People who are familiar with drug culture, concerning “grass” especially, would instantly recognize what a “toke” is. It is a colloquial term for taking a pull on a joint, blunt or pipe. In other words, when you inhale from a grass cigarette or some other type of smoking device that is filled with the substance, it is referred to, in some circles, as ‘taking a toke’.
So with that in mind, we can already conclude that the title is based on the singer being thoroughly, even excessively, intoxicated. Or stated differently, the term over the line is yet another colloquialism, this one pointing to the idea of, in this particular case, an action being taken too far.
The song itself deals with different subjects such as romance, traveling and of course smoking. And there is also an overall spiritual undertone, with references to “Jesus” and “Mary”. And overall, regardless of how the title may read, the singer is not alarmed about his smoke-induced state. Rather, as illustrated near the conclusion of the song, he actually “want(s) to be one toke over the line”.
Conclusion
So all things considered “One Toke Over the Line” is actually a bit confusing in terms of getting its intended meaning across. For instance, it can be read as both advocating and denouncing grass smoking. However, it being interpreted in various ways has contributed to its generation-spanning appeal. Or let’s say it is commonly viewed as being one of the more-clever songs which celebrates weed culture. However, Brewer & Shipley apparently did not mean for it to be deciphered so. Rather, according to Tom Shipley, this track is intended to read something like a warning against excesses.
Facts about “One Toke Over the Line”
This song was released on 1 January 1971 by Kama Sutra Records. It is featured on Brewer & Shipley’s third album, which is titled “Tarkio”.
“One Toke Over the Line” charted in Canada, New Zealand and the United States. In the latter case it peaked at number 10 on the coveted Hot 100. And it is considered the only hit which Brewer & Shipley, a musical duo who has been together a few decades, ever released.
This song is mentioned in the book “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas” (1971). It was recited, by Benicio Del Toro, in the movie that was made based on the aforementioned novel in 1998.
“One Toke Over the Line” was written by Mike Brewer alongside Tom Shipley.
And the track was produced by Nick Gravenites.
And on The Lawrence Welk show they thought it was a gospel song. https://youtu.be/t8tdmaEhMHE