10 Overlooked Songs About Laughter

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“We often think of laughter as lighthearted and simple, but these songs reveal it can also carry a weight that’s anything but.” Laughter in music is often celebrated as a reflection of joy, but what happens when laughter takes on a darker or more complex hue? In putting together this article on the 10 most overlooked songs about laughing, we veered away from the obvious, steering clear of titles that explicitly name laughter and instead choosing songs that delve into its subtle meanings. These selections don’t just scratch the surface of laughter’s role in music; they examine its layers, from self-awareness and embarrassment to poignant realizations and deep-seated sadness. While not every song on this list leans into the shadows, there is a recurring theme of introspection that urges listeners to reconsider what laughter means in the context of these tracks. This isn’t the usual feel-good article about giggles and cheer—it’s a study in how laughter can twist, turn, and take unexpected forms in rock and roll.

Jefferson Airplane’s “If You Feel” turns laughter into a surreal invitation to live fully, even when life feels fragmented. Elton John’s “Blue Eyes” hides quiet chuckles within bittersweet memories of love and longing. R.E.M.’s “Shiny Happy People” juxtaposes its upbeat sound with a subversive exploration of surface-level joy. Ian Dury’s “If I Was With A Woman” transforms laughter into a biting commentary on human connection and indifference. Prince’s “Purple Rain” presents a yearning to see someone laughing, transforming it into a profound expression of love and loss.

Thin Lizzy’s “Things Ain’t Working Out Down at the Farm” uses laughter to mask desperation and alienation in a world unraveling. Joan Baez’s “Donna Donna” frames the laughter of the wind as a haunting metaphor for freedom denied. Steely Dan’s “Bad Sneakers” captures the absurdity of urban loneliness, where laughter feels more like a coping mechanism. Tom Petty’s “I Don’t Wanna Fight” turns laughter into a bitter echo of unresolved conflict. Finally, The Brian Setzer Orchestra’s “Jingle Bells” lightens the mood—or does it? Beneath the jubilant holiday swing lies an intriguing question about the authenticity of joy.

This article challenges the listener to look beyond the obvious, proving that laughter in music is rarely just about humor. Each of these songs invites us to consider what lies beneath the surface, where joy and pain often intertwine. Whether it’s a subtle chuckle or a full-throated laugh, the act of laughing in these tracks becomes a lens through which we explore the human condition, leaving us with more questions than answers—and maybe a few wry smiles along the way.

# 10 – If You Feel – Jefferson Airplane

Jefferson Airplane’s “If You Feel” from their 1968 album Crown of Creation captures the essence of free-spirited self-expression characteristic of the late 1960s counterculture. The song’s mention of laughing is woven into its tapestry of emotions, exploring joy and spontaneity amidst the broader themes of love, freedom, and self-discovery. In the lyric, “If you feel like laughing, break china laughing,” laughter emerges as a release, a cathartic act of defiance and liberation. This connection to laughter provides a fresh perspective on the song’s significance, making it an overlooked gem in discussions about the transformative power of laughter in music.

Recorded at RCA Victor Studios in Hollywood and produced by Al Schmitt, Crown of Creation marked a period of creative maturity for Jefferson Airplane. The lineup included Grace Slick and Marty Balin on vocals, Paul Kantner on rhythm guitar, Jorma Kaukonen on lead guitar, Jack Casady on bass, and Spencer Dryden on drums. “If You Feel” stands out for its dynamic arrangement, balancing a buoyant melody with introspective lyrics. Balin’s vocal delivery emphasizes the celebratory yet reflective tone of the track, while Kaukonen’s guitar work adds a sense of fluidity, perfectly complementing the song’s message of surrendering to emotion.

Critically, Crown of Creation was well-received, reaching No. 6 on the Billboard 200, with tracks like “If You Feel” highlighting the band’s ability to blend folk, rock, and psychedelia. The song’s thematic exploration of laughter as an act of freedom invites comparisons to other tracks on this list that delve into laughter’s multifaceted nature. Unlike songs that use laughter as a backdrop for humor, “If You Feel” frames it as an empowering force, encouraging listeners to embrace vulnerability and joy as acts of resistance against conformity.

Lyrically, the song invites the listener to lean into their emotions, whether it’s the fragility of “china breaking” or the liberation of “laughing, laughing, laughing.” The repetition of the word “laughing” underscores the therapeutic and transformative potential of joy, which Jefferson Airplane captures in a way both profound and playful. This interplay of emotions elevates “If You Feel” into a reflection on the human experience, using laughter as a metaphor for embracing life’s unpredictability.

# 9 – Blue Eyes – Elton John

Elton John’s “Blue Eyes,” a haunting ballad from his 1982 album Jump Up!, intertwines themes of longing, love, and melancholy with an unexpected touch of joy found in laughter. The repeated imagery of “blue eyes” conveys a deep emotional connection, but it is the phrase “laughin’ in the sun, laughin’ in the rain” that elevates the song’s narrative. This laughter symbolizes a fleeting moment of serenity and warmth amidst the song’s otherwise wistful tone, presenting a duality that adds layers to its emotional impact. As a reflection on relationships and their complexities, the song subtly incorporates laughter as a marker of cherished memories and enduring love.

Recorded in 1981 at AIR Studios in Montserrat, Jump Up! saw Elton John returning to his signature piano-driven sound with Chris Thomas as producer. The musicianship on “Blue Eyes” is both restrained and emotive, with Elton John on piano and vocals, Dee Murray on bass, and Jeff Porcaro of Toto on drums. The delicate arrangement complements Bernie Taupin’s poignant lyrics, creating a tender atmosphere that allows the song’s thematic elements to resonate deeply. Notably, the track reached No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 8 on the UK Singles Chart, reflecting its broad appeal and critical success.

Critics have praised the song for its simplicity and emotional depth. Rolling Stone highlighted its “achingly beautiful melody” and Elton John’s restrained vocal delivery, which contrasts with some of his more flamboyant performances. The song’s use of laughter as a motif aligns it with other tracks on this list that explore laughter’s multifaceted role. However, unlike Jefferson Airplane’s “If You Feel,” where laughter represents liberation, “Blue Eyes” frames it as a bittersweet reminder of love’s impermanence and the solace found in cherished moments.

Lyrically, the song’s mention of “laughin’ in the sun” and “laughin’ in the rain” adds a glimmer of hope and nostalgia to an otherwise somber ballad. These moments of joy and laughter seem to capture a universal longing for connection and comfort, even when faced with separation or loss. This nuanced portrayal of laughter as a bridge between pain and happiness underscores why “Blue Eyes” deserves recognition as an overlooked song about laughing, masterfully blending Taupin’s poetic imagery with John’s emotive composition.

# 8 – Shiny Happy People – R.E.M.

R.E.M.’s “Shiny Happy People,” from their 1991 album Out of Time, embraces the theme of laughter with an unabashedly jubilant spirit. The song’s repetitive chorus—”shiny happy people laughing”—underscores a utopian vision of community and connection, tying laughter to a sense of shared joy and simplicity. Unlike the introspective tone often found in R.E.M.’s catalog, this track serves as a bright, celebratory outlier. Its inclusion on a list of overlooked songs about laughing highlights how joy, though central to the song’s identity, is often overshadowed by its perceived lightness in comparison to the band’s more somber material.

Recorded in 1990 at Bearsville Studios in Woodstock, New York, and John Keane Studios in Athens, Georgia, Out of Time was produced by Scott Litt and R.E.M. The track features band members Michael Stipe on vocals, Peter Buck on guitar, Mike Mills on bass and keyboards, and Bill Berry on drums. Adding to its distinctively effervescent sound is guest vocalist Kate Pierson of The B-52s, whose harmonies inject an additional layer of cheerfulness. This collaboration amplifies the song’s playful vibe, giving it a timeless quality. Chart-wise, “Shiny Happy People” reached No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 6 in the UK, solidifying its place as one of the group’s most commercially successful songs.

Critical reception of “Shiny Happy People” has been divisive, with some praising its unbridled optimism while others dismissed it as overly saccharine. Despite this, the song’s lyrics encapsulate laughter as a universal language, a means of uniting people in moments of levity. In the context of this list, its joyous refrain can be juxtaposed with the more nuanced explorations of laughter found in Elton John’s “Blue Eyes” or Jefferson Airplane’s “If You Feel.” Where those songs embed laughter within complex emotions, R.E.M. presents it as pure and unfiltered, a reflection of a simpler, carefree ideal.

The song’s insistence on laughter and happiness invites listeners to embrace its message without overthinking, offering a rare moment of unabashed positivity. Its placement on this list as an overlooked song about laughing underscores how its themes resonate beyond its surface cheerfulness, reminding us of laughter’s power to connect and uplift even in the simplest of ways.

Read More: Top 10 R.E.M. Songs

# 7 – If I Was With A Woman – Ian Dury

Ian Dury’s “If I Was With A Woman,” from his seminal 1977 album New Boots and Panties!!, offers a biting exploration of relationships, laced with sharp wit and a dark sense of humor. Laughter plays a central role in this track, not as a release of joy but as an ironic commentary on the absurdity of human interactions. Dury’s repeated refrain, “Look at them laughing,” juxtaposes the complexity of emotional detachment with the mockery of societal expectations. This song earns its place as an overlooked track about laughing by using laughter as a vehicle for cynicism and self-reflection, setting it apart from the more overt celebrations of joy seen in other songs on this list.

Recorded at The Workhouse in London and produced by Dury alongside Peter Jenner and Laurie Latham, New Boots and Panties!! was a pioneering record that merged punk’s raw energy with the sophisticated storytelling of pub rock. The song features members of Dury’s band, the Blockheads, including Chaz Jankel on guitar and piano, Norman Watt-Roy on bass, and Charlie Charles on drums. This lineup delivers a minimalistic yet powerful backdrop to Dury’s evocative vocals, allowing the song’s biting lyrics to take center stage. While the album itself received critical acclaim, this track remains overshadowed by more famous cuts like “Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll,” despite its unique narrative style.

Lyrically, the song captures Dury’s sardonic perspective on relationships, with lines like “If I was with a woman, she’d wonder what was happening” reflecting his disdain for emotional entanglements. The laughter in the chorus serves as a bitter reminder of the complexities and contradictions of human connections. When compared to tracks like R.E.M.’s “Shiny Happy People,” which use laughter as a celebration of unity, Dury’s approach is much darker, utilizing laughter as a critique of societal norms and personal disillusionment. This contrast highlights the versatility of laughter as a theme, making “If I Was With A Woman” an essential addition to this list.

By embracing humor’s darker edges, Dury transforms laughter from an expression of happiness into a tool for defiance and introspection. This layered portrayal ensures the song’s resonance as an overlooked gem, underscoring the intricate ways laughter can be woven into the fabric of music and storytelling.

# 6 – Purple Rain – Prince

Prince’s “Purple Rain” stands as one of the most iconic ballads in rock history, yet its connection to the theme of laughter often goes unnoticed amidst its broader emotional resonance. The line, “I only wanted one time to see you laughing,” delivers a poignant expression of yearning, framing laughter as a symbol of joy, release, and reconciliation within a song laden with heartbreak and transformation. As an overlooked song about laughing, “Purple Rain” explores the idea of laughter not as frivolity but as a fleeting, almost sacred, experience that Prince’s narrator deeply desires to share with another.

Recorded live at the First Avenue nightclub in Minneapolis on August 3, 1983, and later polished in the studio, “Purple Rain” is the title track from Prince’s 1984 album and served as the emotional centerpiece of his film of the same name. Produced by Prince and featuring his band The Revolution, the song showcases Wendy Melvoin on guitar, Lisa Coleman on keyboards, and Bobby Z. on drums. The haunting orchestration and the layered dynamics of Prince’s vocals elevate the track into anthemic territory. Commercially, the song reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and remained there for two weeks, further solidifying Prince’s place as a pop and rock innovator.

Lyrically, “Purple Rain” speaks to longing and loss, and the line about laughter becomes a subtle yet powerful touchstone within the song’s narrative. Laughter here symbolizes connection and fleeting happiness, contrasting with the overarching themes of change and regret. When juxtaposed with Ian Dury’s “If I Was With A Woman,” which uses laughter to underscore bitterness and irony, Prince’s use of laughter feels deeply earnest and tender, lending the song a vulnerability that is rare in power ballads. The lush instrumental outro, with its soaring guitar solo, offers a cathartic release, echoing the emotional highs and lows conveyed in the lyrics.

Read More: 10 Most Rocking Prince Songs

# 5 – Things Ain’t Working Out Down at the Farm – Thin Lizzy

Thin Lizzy’s “Things Ain’t Working Out Down at the Farm” combines wry humor with a biting narrative, offering a deeply underrated perspective on laughter as a means of defiance and coping. Phil Lynott’s delivery of lines like “And here I go laughing like a fool, yeah” conveys not only a character’s reaction to absurdity but also a nuanced way to address despair and struggle. This song’s exploration of laughter as a defense mechanism against life’s unpredictability secures its place on this list of overlooked songs about laughing.

First recorded in 1971, the song appeared on Thin Lizzy’s debut album and later on compilations such as The Continuing Saga of the Ageing Orphans. Produced by Nick Tauber and recorded at Decca Studios in London, the track features Lynott on vocals and bass, Eric Bell on guitar, and Brian Downey on drums. The folk-infused rock arrangement pairs well with the song’s lyrical wit, demonstrating the band’s ability to blend storytelling with a layered musical style. Though it didn’t chart at the time, the song has since gained recognition among Thin Lizzy aficionados for its sharp narrative and unique tonal shifts.

The lyrics weave a satirical tale of chaos and resignation, where laughter becomes an act of rebellion against authority and circumstances. The narrator’s repeated laughter, juxtaposed with lines about being “busted” and stripped naked, reflects a refusal to succumb to humiliation. This contrasts with the optimism found in R.E.M.’s “Shiny Happy People,” where laughter is a symbol of joy and unity. Here, Thin Lizzy’s laughter serves as an armor, a way to navigate the absurdity of life when “things ain’t working out.”

“Things Ain’t Working Out Down at the Farm” encapsulates the raw humanity of laughter as a reaction to adversity, cementing its relevance in this article’s theme. Lynott’s deft storytelling and the band’s understated musical sophistication create a song that lingers, both for its cleverness and its ability to find humor in life’s most challenging moments.

# 4 – Donna Donna – Joan Baez

Joan Baez’s rendition of “Donna Donna” blends the hauntingly poetic with the profoundly symbolic, making laughter a bittersweet motif that underscores the song’s tragic narrative. Originally a Yiddish theater song written by Sholom Secunda and Aaron Zeitlin in 1940, Baez introduced the English version to wider audiences on her 1960 album Joan Baez. In this version, the winds’ laughter becomes a chilling juxtaposition to the calf’s grim fate, emphasizing the sorrow of confinement and the yearning for freedom.

Recorded at the Vanguard Studios in New York and produced by Maynard Solomon, the track exemplifies Baez’s crystalline vocals and her ability to imbue folk songs with timeless resonance. Accompanied by her acoustic guitar, the sparse arrangement allows the lyrical themes to shine. The winds’ laughter, described as relentless and carefree, mirrors the indifferent forces of nature and society, highlighting the song’s poignant commentary on the human condition. While Joan Baez did not produce charting singles, it cemented Baez’s reputation as a voice for the oppressed and overlooked, with “Donna Donna” becoming an emblematic example of her artistry.

The laughter in the song serves as a dual-edged metaphor, contrasting freedom and captivity. The winds laugh, not in joy, but in a dispassionate observation of the calf’s plight. This theme resonates with other songs on this list, such as Ian Dury’s “If I Was With A Woman,” where laughter similarly reflects deeper emotions—disdain, regret, or even survival. In “Donna Donna,” the winds’ laughter underscores the inevitability of fate, contrasting with the free-spirited swallow, whose flight symbolizes liberation.

Baez’s interpretation elevates “Donna Donna” beyond its folk origins, transforming it into a universal meditation on freedom, loss, and the complexities of human experience. The juxtaposition of laughter and despair adds a layered depth to this overlooked gem, ensuring its place among the most evocative songs about laughter’s multifaceted role in storytelling.

Read More: Top 10 Joan Baez Songs

# 3 – Bad Sneakers – Steely Dan

“Bad Sneakers” by Steely Dan captures the longing and nostalgia of its narrator with subtle wit, layered imagery, and a signature blend of jazz-rock sophistication. Released in 1975 on the album Katy Lied, the track reflects Donald Fagen and Walter Becker’s trademark lyrical complexity. Laughing becomes a poignant tool in this song, serving as a coping mechanism amid the narrator’s unraveling sanity, exemplified by the line, “Yes, I’m going insane, and I’m laughing at the frozen rain.” The laughter here underscores the surreal contrast between the narrator’s internal chaos and the mundane details of city life.

Recorded at ABC Studios in Los Angeles, the track was produced by Gary Katz, with Michael Omartian contributing piano and the legendary Jeff Porcaro on drums. The polished arrangement and smooth, layered harmonies provided by Michael McDonald enhance the song’s melancholic undertones. The meticulous production reflects Steely Dan’s perfectionist approach, with every note serving the narrative’s blend of cynicism and yearning. Despite its brilliance, “Bad Sneakers” never achieved substantial chart success, but it remains a fan favorite for its sophisticated musicianship and evocative storytelling.

The laughter in “Bad Sneakers” serves as a thematic anchor, blending despair and irony. The frozen rain symbolizes an emotional impasse, while the narrator’s laughter adds a layer of detachment, echoing the bittersweet tones found in “Donna Donna” by Joan Baez. Both songs explore laughter as a means to process life’s challenges, though “Bad Sneakers” juxtaposes its sardonic humor against urban alienation. The recurring imagery of bad sneakers and a piña colada ties together the song’s themes of escapism and self-awareness, making it a unique and overlooked addition to this list.

# 2 – I Don’t Wanna Fight – Tom Petty

“I Don’t Wanna Fight” by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, from the 1999 album Echo, merges raw emotion with a deceptively simple blues-rock arrangement. Recorded at Sound City Studios in Van Nuys, California, and co-produced by Tom Petty, Mike Campbell, and Rick Rubin, the song encapsulates Petty’s ability to craft lyrics that are both deeply personal and universally resonant. The track features Tom Petty on vocals and rhythm guitar, Mike Campbell on lead guitar, Benmont Tench on keyboards, Howie Epstein on bass, and Steve Ferrone on drums. With its minimalist structure and repetitive lyrical motifs, the song channels a tension that reflects the themes of personal conflict and vulnerability permeating the Echo album.

The concept of laughter in “I Don’t Wanna Fight” carries an ironic weight. The lyric “You’re always laughing at me, yeah, when nothing’s really funny” unveils the narrator’s frustration with being the object of ridicule. This laughter isn’t joyous or liberating but dismissive, highlighting a toxic dynamic in the relationship described in the song. Unlike the cathartic or joyful laughter present in other songs on this list, the laughter here symbolizes misunderstanding and alienation, making the song a unique addition to the theme of overlooked songs about laughing.

In comparison to other tracks on this list, “I Don’t Wanna Fight” offers a stark contrast to the optimistic tone of “Shiny Happy People” by R.E.M., where laughter represents community and joy. Petty’s approach is somber, using laughter as a tool to underline emotional pain rather than celebration.

# 1 – Jingle Bells – The Brian Setzer Orchestra

Ending the list on a vibrant note, The Brian Setzer Orchestra’s rendition of “Jingle Bells” reimagines a beloved holiday classic with the swagger and energy of rockabilly swing. Featured on the 2002 album Boogie Woogie Christmas, this version was recorded at The Village Recorder in Los Angeles, with Setzer himself producing the track. The orchestra’s lively arrangement, complete with blazing horns and Setzer’s virtuosic guitar work, transforms the familiar tune into a festive spectacle of sound that feels both nostalgic and freshly invigorated. Setzer’s charismatic vocal delivery and the band’s tight instrumentation make this a jubilant reinterpretation.

Laughter in “Jingle Bells” takes center stage as a symbol of unrestrained joy and holiday cheer, with the lyric “laughing all the way” underscoring the carefree spirit of sleigh rides and winter revelry. In this context, laughter becomes an extension of the song’s celebratory tone, contrasting sharply with the darker, introspective uses of laughter found in earlier songs on the list, such as Tom Petty’s “I Don’t Wanna Fight.” Here, laughter is pure, lighthearted, and infectious, reminding listeners of the simple pleasures of the season.

As the final entry in the list, “Jingle Bells” offers a refreshing shift in mood. While other tracks may explore laughter as a coping mechanism or a vehicle for irony, this rendition embraces it as a universal expression of joy. The Brian Setzer Orchestra’s exuberant arrangement brings a modern twist to a timeless melody, proving that even the most familiar songs can feel unexpectedly new when approached with creativity and passion. In a list filled with layered and complex emotions tied to laughter, this rendition of “Jingle Bells” ensures the journey ends on a note of unbridled celebration—or does it?……. Perhaps there’s more depth beneath the surface.