Laughing Boy
Hall And Oates · The Atlantic Collection [1996]
Laughin' Boy, guitar Johnny's playing the blues so low
Laughin' Boy, don't it make you want to cry
you know, I can't imagine you were the magic boy so long ago
your life and dreams are broken, you hate the world but you can't
live alone
Ain't that fine?
I'm your friend that knows you and I'd like to tell you
that I think your laugh's a lie
Laughin' Boy, that's you layin' in the meadow
Laughin' Boy, memories ought to make you cry
Don't let your mind surrender, 'cause I can't imagine days without
you no one wants to be without you
you'll find a way to help you play on
You won't pass the time alone
I'm your friend that knows you and I'd like to tell you
that I think your laugh's a lie
Laughin' Boy, don't it make you want to cry
you know, I can't imagine you were the magic boy so long ago
your life and dreams are broken, you hate the world but you can't
live alone
Ain't that fine?
I'm your friend that knows you and I'd like to tell you
that I think your laugh's a lie
Laughin' Boy, that's you layin' in the meadow
Laughin' Boy, memories ought to make you cry
Don't let your mind surrender, 'cause I can't imagine days without
you no one wants to be without you
you'll find a way to help you play on
You won't pass the time alone
I'm your friend that knows you and I'd like to tell you
that I think your laugh's a lie
Laughing Boy
Hall & Oates' "Laughing Boy" stands as a quintessential example of their polished pop-rock sensibility, blending smooth harmonies with a driving rhythm that defined the late 1970s sound. Featured on their 1996 compilation, The Atlantic Collection, the track showcases the duo's signature ability to craft catchy melodies that resonate across generations. The song exemplifies their mastery of the power ballad format, utilizing lush arrangements and vocal interplay to create an emotional depth characteristic of their discography. As a staple of their catalog, it remains a defining recording that captures the essence of their collaborative work during a pivotal era in American music history.