Old Laughing Lady

Neil Young · Other Songs - Neil Young

Don't call pretty Peggy,

she can't hear you no more

Don't leave no message

'round her back door.

They say the old laughing lady

been here before

She don't keep time,

she don't count score.



You can't have a cupboard

if there ain't no wall.

You got to move there's

no time left to stall.

They say the old laughing lady

dropped by to call

And when she leaves,

she leaves nothing at all.



See the drunkard of the village

falling on the street.

Can't tell his ankles

from the rest of his feet.

He loves his old laughing lady

'cause her taste is so sweet.

But his laughing lady's loving

ain't the kind he can keep.



There's a fever on the freeway,

blacks out the night.

There's a slipping on the stairway,

just don't feel right

And there's a rumbling

in the bedroom

and a flashing of light

There's the old laughing lady,

everything is all right.

Old Laughing Lady

Neil Young's "Old Laughing Lady" stands as a poignant song in his extensive discography, reflecting his signature blend of folk-rock and introspective storytelling. Recorded during a period where Young frequently explored themes of aging, resilience, and the human condition, the track captures a weary yet humorous perspective on life's inevitable decline. The song exemplifies his ability to transform personal observation into universal resonance, utilizing sparse instrumentation to highlight lyrical depth. As part of his broader catalog of works, it continues to resonate with listeners who appreciate his raw, unpolished approach to songwriting and his commitment to exploring the complexities of the human experience through music.