Laughing (Live in Toronto 1983)

Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a picture of intense pressure and misunderstanding, using the myth of Laocoön and his sons as a stark reference. These figures, "martyred, misconstrued," seem to represent a struggle against overwhelming forces, a "pressured storm." The repeated imagery of being trapped or confined, like in a "lanky room" that is then "lighted," suggests a search for solace or understanding within difficult circumstances. The central tension arises from the contrast between this external pressure and the internal act of "laughing in tune." It's as if, despite being "slated view" or facing a "shattered storm," the act of finding a "place fit to laugh" becomes a defiant or cathartic response. The repetition of "lighted, lighted" amplifies this sense of illumination, perhaps an internal awakening or a shared moment of clarity amidst the chaos. The most striking aspect is the juxtaposition of ancient tragedy with a seemingly simple, almost childlike act of shared laughter. The lyrics repeatedly return to the image of locking and latching the room, creating a sense of deliberate sanctuary. This private space, "lighted" and filled with laughter, becomes a refuge from the external world where they are "misunderstood." This creates an emotional resonance by highlighting the human need to find joy and connection even when facing profound adversity. The careful construction, moving from external struggle to internal refuge, makes the act of "laughing in tune" feel like a hard-won victory, a moment of pure, unadulterated release against a backdrop of suffering.