Contents
- 1.The Old Laughing Lady – Neil Young
- 2.Laughing – R.E.M.
- 3.It Takes a Lot to Laugh, It Takes a Train to Cry – Bob Dylan
- 4.Between a Laugh and a Tear – John Mellencamp and Rickie Lee Jones
- 5.Laughter Lines – Bastille
- 6.We Laugh Indoors – Death Cab for Cutie
- 7.After Laughter – Wendy Rene
- 8.The Same Love That Made Me Laugh – Bill Withers
- 9.The Last Laugh of the Laughter – Travis
- 10.Laughing – Crosby & Nash
- 11.I Can Laugh at It Now – Dion DiMucci
- 12.Laugh and Be Happy – Randy Newman
- 13.Don’t Laugh (I Love You) – Ween
- 14.The Laughing Gnome – David Bowie
- 15.Laughing on the Outside – Bernadette Carroll
- 16.Laughing With a Mouth of Blood – St. Vincent
- 17.Laugh, I Nearly Died – The Rolling Stones
- 18.Laughing With – Regina Spektor
- 19.Laughing in the Hiding Bush – Bruce Dickinson
- 20.Laughter in the Rain – Neil Sedaka
Songs about laughing and having a giggle are a popular theme in music across many genres. These songs capture the joy and light-heartedness of life, and often serve as a reminder to not take things too seriously. Whether it’s a catchy pop tune or a soulful ballad, these songs have the power to lift our spirits and put a smile on our face.
Many of these songs use laughter as a metaphor for happiness or as a symbol of the joy that can be found in life. Some songs even feature actual laughter as a part of the musical arrangement. The lyrics often celebrate the simple pleasures of life, such as spending time with loved ones, enjoying nature, or finding humor in everyday situations.
Songs about laughing and having a giggle can also be a form of escapism, offering a temporary reprieve from the stress and challenges of daily life. They allow us to let go and embrace the moment, reminding us of the importance of finding moments of joy and levity in our lives. From classic hits to modern-day favorites, the theme of laughter and joy is one that resonates with audiences of all ages and backgrounds, making these songs a timeless part of the musical canon.
1.The Old Laughing Lady – Neil Young
“The Old Laughing Lady” by Neil Young is a haunting ballad that features Young’s signature folk-rock sound. The song is marked by its mournful melody and Young’s raw, emotive vocals. Lyrically, the song tells the story of an old woman who laughs at the narrator’s youthful optimism and naivety, painting a picture of disillusionment and loss. The track features intricate guitar work and delicate piano touches, adding to the melancholic atmosphere of the piece.
2.Laughing – R.E.M.
“Laughing” by R.E.M. is a catchy and upbeat track that showcases the band’s distinctive jangly guitar sound. The song’s driving rhythm and catchy chorus make it an enduring classic of the alternative rock genre. Lyrically, the song is a wry commentary on the absurdity of life and the human condition, with lead singer Michael Stipe’s cryptic lyrics adding to the song’s enigmatic appeal. With its memorable hook and infectious energy, “Laughing” remains a beloved track among fans of R.E.M. and alternative rock more broadly.
3.It Takes a Lot to Laugh, It Takes a Train to Cry – Bob Dylan
“It Takes a Lot to Laugh, It Takes a Train to Cry” by Bob Dylan is a bluesy rock track that showcases Dylan’s distinctive voice and poetic lyrics. The song features a driving rhythm and catchy guitar riff, and Dylan’s vocals are complemented by a lively harmonica solo. Lyrically, the song is a meditation on the ups and downs of life, with Dylan painting a picture of a man struggling to come to terms with the challenges he faces. The song’s evocative imagery and raw energy make it a classic of Dylan’s early career.
4.Between a Laugh and a Tear – John Mellencamp and Rickie Lee Jones
“Between a Laugh and a Tear” is a collaboration between John Mellencamp and Rickie Lee Jones that features Mellencamp’s trademark roots rock sound and Jones’ sultry vocals. The song is marked by its catchy chorus and driving rhythm, with the two singers trading verses and harmonizing on the chorus. Lyrically, the song explores the emotional highs and lows of life, with Mellencamp and Jones painting a picture of a world that is both beautiful and painful. With its infectious energy and poignant lyrics, “Between a Laugh and a Tear” is a standout track in both artists’ discographies.
5.Laughter Lines – Bastille
“Laughter Lines” by Bastille is an anthemic track that showcases the band’s pop sensibilities and emotional depth. The song features a driving beat and soaring chorus, with lead singer Dan Smith’s powerful vocals taking center stage. Lyrically, the song is a meditation on the passage of time and the way that life’s experiences leave their mark on us. The song’s powerful message and infectious energy make it a standout track in Bastille’s discography.
6.We Laugh Indoors – Death Cab for Cutie
“We Laugh Indoors” by Death Cab for Cutie is a moody and introspective track that features the band’s signature indie rock sound. The song is marked by its haunting melody and frontman Ben Gibbard’s evocative vocals. Lyrically, the song is a meditation on the nature of love and relationships, with Gibbard exploring the ups and downs of a romantic connection. With its poignant lyrics and atmospheric sound, “We Laugh Indoors” is a standout track on Death Cab for Cutie’s album “The Photo Album”.
7.After Laughter – Wendy Rene
“After Laughter” by Wendy Rene is a soulful track that features Rene’s powerful vocals and a groovy rhythm section. The song is marked by its catchy melody and infectious chorus, with Rene’s emotive performance drawing the listener in. Lyrically, the song is a poignant meditation on the nature of happiness and sadness, with Rene exploring the way that laughter can often mask deeper emotional pain. With its upbeat sound and thought-provoking lyrics, “After Laughter” is a standout track in Rene’s discography.
8.The Same Love That Made Me Laugh – Bill Withers
“The Same Love That Made Me Laugh” by Bill Withers is a soulful ballad that showcases Withers’ distinctive voice and poetic lyrics. The song features a lush arrangement, with strings and horns adding to the track’s emotional impact. Lyrically, the song is a meditation on the ups and downs of love, with Withers reflecting on the way that the same emotions that can bring us joy can also cause us pain. With its beautiful melody and heartfelt lyrics, “The Same Love That Made Me Laugh” is a standout track in Withers’ celebrated career.
9.The Last Laugh of the Laughter – Travis
“The Last Laugh of the Laughter” by Travis is a melancholic yet hopeful track that features the band’s signature Britpop sound. The song is marked by its atmospheric guitars and frontman Fran Healy’s emotive vocals. Lyrically, the song is a meditation on the way that life can be both beautiful and difficult, with Healy reflecting on the way that the passage of time can bring both joy and sadness. With its poignant lyrics and powerful melody, “The Last Laugh of the Laughter” is a standout track on Travis’ album “The Man Who”.
10.Laughing – Crosby & Nash
Laughing” by Crosby & Nash is a folk rock track that showcases the duo’s intricate harmonies and poetic lyrics. The song features a gentle melody and acoustic guitars, with Crosby and Nash’s voices blending together in perfect harmony. Lyrically, the song is a meditation on the power of laughter to heal and bring people together. With its beautiful melody and evocative lyrics, “Laughing” is a standout track on Crosby & Nash’s album “Wind on the Water”.
11.I Can Laugh at It Now – Dion DiMucci
“I Can Laugh at It Now” by Dion DiMucci is a bluesy track that showcases DiMucci’s powerful voice and soulful delivery. The song features a driving rhythm section and electric guitar, with DiMucci’s emotive performance drawing the listener in. Lyrically, the song is a reflection on the power of laughter to help us overcome difficult times, with DiMucci looking back on past struggles and finding strength in the present. With its powerful message and gritty sound, “I Can Laugh at It Now” is a standout track in DiMucci’s discography.
12.Laugh and Be Happy – Randy Newman
“Laugh and Be Happy” by Randy Newman is a whimsical track that features Newman’s distinctive voice and playful lyrics. The song features a jaunty melody and upbeat instrumentation, with Newman’s clever wordplay adding to the track’s charm. Lyrically, the song is a call to embrace life’s joys and find happiness in the small things. With its catchy melody and uplifting message, “Laugh and Be Happy” is a standout track on Newman’s album “Bad Love”.
13.Don’t Laugh (I Love You) – Ween
“Don’t Laugh (I Love You)” by Ween is a quirky track that showcases the band’s eclectic sound and irreverent lyrics. The song features a lo-fi production style and a playful melody, with Ween’s off-kilter vocals adding to the track’s charm. Lyrically, the song is a tongue-in-cheek reflection on the complexities of love and the way that our emotions can often be contradictory. With its unconventional sound and witty lyrics, “Don’t Laugh (I Love You)” is a standout track in Ween’s discography.
14.The Laughing Gnome – David Bowie
“The Laughing Gnome” by David Bowie is a whimsical track that showcases the artist’s playful side and offbeat sense of humor. The song features a catchy melody and Bowie’s distinctive vocals, with a cheerful chorus of gnomes adding to the track’s charm. Lyrically, the song is a surreal tale of a gnome who loves to laugh and play tricks on people. With its upbeat sound and irreverent lyrics, “The Laughing Gnome” is a standout track in Bowie’s early discography, showcasing the artist’s willingness to experiment with different styles and sounds.
15.Laughing on the Outside – Bernadette Carroll
“Laughing on the Outside” by Bernadette Carroll is a haunting track that showcases the singer’s emotive vocals and understated production style. The song features a slow tempo and sparse instrumentation, with Carroll’s voice taking center stage. Lyrically, the song is a reflection on the pain of heartbreak and the way that we often put on a brave face in public even when we are hurting inside. With its raw emotion and minimalist sound, “Laughing on the Outside” is a standout track in Carroll’s discography.
16.Laughing With a Mouth of Blood – St. Vincent
“Laughing With a Mouth of Blood” by St. Vincent is a brooding track that showcases the artist’s atmospheric sound and powerful vocals. The song features a slow-burning melody and haunting production style, with St. Vincent’s voice soaring over the moody instrumentation. Lyrically, the song is a reflection on the complex relationship between humor and tragedy, with St. Vincent exploring the way that we often use humor to cope with difficult situations. With its introspective lyrics and haunting sound, “Laughing With a Mouth of Blood” is a standout track on St. Vincent’s album “Actor”.
17.Laugh, I Nearly Died – The Rolling Stones
“Laugh, I Nearly Died” by The Rolling Stones is a melancholy track that showcases the band’s bluesy sound and Mick Jagger’s distinctive vocals. The song features a slow tempo and a mournful melody, with Jagger’s voice conveying a sense of regret and longing. Lyrically, the song is a reflection on the pain of heartbreak and the way that we often try to hide our emotions behind a facade of laughter. With its mournful sound and introspective lyrics, “Laugh, I Nearly Died” is a standout track on The Rolling Stones’ album “A Bigger Bang”.
18.Laughing With – Regina Spektor
“Laughing With” by Regina Spektor is a poignant track that showcases the artist’s distinctive voice and piano-driven sound. The song features a slow tempo and minimalist production style, with Spektor’s voice and piano taking center stage. Lyrically, the song is a reflection on the power of humor and the way that it can help us cope with difficult situations. With its introspective lyrics and understated sound, “Laughing With” is a standout track on Spektor’s album “Far”.
19.Laughing in the Hiding Bush – Bruce Dickinson
“Laughing in the Hiding Bush” by Bruce Dickinson is a hard rock track that showcases the Iron Maiden frontman’s powerful vocals and impressive range. The song features a driving rhythm and powerful guitar riffs, with Dickinson’s voice soaring over the top. Lyrically, the song is a reflection on the thrill of adventure and the way that we often seek to escape from our everyday lives. With its energetic sound and catchy chorus, “Laughing in the Hiding Bush” is a standout track on Dickinson’s album of the same name.
20.Laughter in the Rain – Neil Sedaka
“Laughter in the Rain” by Neil Sedaka is a classic pop ballad that showcases the singer’s distinctive voice and songwriting skills. The song features a slow tempo and a memorable melody, with Sedaka’s voice conveying a sense of romantic longing. Lyrically, the song is a reflection on the power of love to brighten even the darkest days. With its catchy melody and heartfelt lyrics, “Laughter in the Rain” is a standout track in Sedaka’s extensive catalog of hits.