Think of Laura

Song Meaning

Christopher Cross's "Think of Laura" isn't just a soft-rock staple; it's an emotionally intelligent navigation of grief. The song meaning resides in its central paradox: remembering profound loss without succumbing to despair. The lyrics paint Laura as an almost preternaturally empathetic figure, someone whose smile could "turn my day around" and who could see through facades to the heart of a person. It's this inherent goodness, this life-affirming quality, that the song so desperately wants to preserve. The instruction to "laugh, don't cry" isn't a denial of sorrow, but a conscious choice to honor Laura's spirit by embracing joy and resilience. It suggests a mature understanding of grief, one that acknowledges pain while refusing to let it define the memory of the departed. Verse two reveals Laura as "a friend 'til the end," highlighting the abruptness and unfairness of her passing. The line "taken away without a warning" encapsulates the shock and disbelief that often accompany sudden loss. Yet, even here, the song resists wallowing. Instead, it pivots to a celebration of Laura's continued presence in the lives of those who loved her. The lyrics "I know you, and you're here / In every day we live" and "I can feel her when I sing" suggest a belief in the enduring power of memory and connection. It's a testament to the idea that love transcends physical absence. The bridge, with its direct address – "Hey Laura, where are you now?" – is perhaps the most poignant moment. It acknowledges the longing and the unanswered questions that death inevitably leaves behind. However, even in this moment of vulnerability, there's a sense of hope and acceptance. The lines "I don't think so / I think you're here taking our tears away" offer a comforting image of Laura as a guardian angel, still present and still offering solace. Ultimately, "Think of Laura" is a sophisticated exploration of how to carry the weight of grief with grace and gratitude, choosing to remember the light a person brought into the world rather than being consumed by the darkness of their absence.