The Old Laughing Lady
Neil Young · Official Release Series Discs 1 - 4 [2012]
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.
The Old Laughing Lady
Neil Young's 'The Old Laughing Lady' stands as a poignant example of his enduring songwriting prowess, blending melancholic reflection with his signature acoustic warmth. The track captures the artist's ability to find profound emotion in simple narratives, a hallmark of his extensive discography. While often associated with his later explorations of memory and time, the song resonates with the same intimate storytelling found in his classic works. It serves as a reminder of Young's capacity to craft deeply personal anthems that connect with listeners across generations. The recording highlights his distinctive vocal delivery and guitar work, reinforcing his status as a vital voice in rock and folk music. This piece remains a cherished element of his body of work, offering a moment of quiet contemplation within his vast musical landscape.