I agree 100%. She is clearly pointing to how profoundly tragic some peoples lives can be and that instead of suggesting God shouldn't allow this to happen we end up "Laughing With" God because we are at a loss as to any other way to deal with the situation or perhaps to scared of God's wrath.

This line is the most tragic: "No one laughs at God on the day they realize that the last sight they'll ever see is a pair of hateful eyes"

When I heard her sing this I got shivers up my spine. She is talking about someone in the last moments of their life as they are being murdered. She isn't afraid to take a cold hard look at this kind of powerful, hopeless, darkness and the profound mental torture that goes on in these instances.

Her implication is that in this situation those on the outside perhaps should be "laughing at God" for allowing this kind of torture but instead as she says at the end "We're all laughing with God" in these painful situations. She is pointing out the absurdity. Clearly murder and seeing hateful eyes as you die is no laughing manor. Their was no joke to begin with. Only blackness and the end of an innocent life in horrific torture. Yet we "Laugh With God" because we don't want to be next!


However, what is interesting is how she attacks both sides. First when she takes a jab at those who have powerful prejudices toward all faith and the idea of a God:

But God can be funny
At a cocktail party while listening to a good God-themed joke or
Or when the crazies say he hates us and they get so red in the head you think that they're about to choke



But then she turns around and nails organized religion and traditional Christianity and those who have based their beliefs on the supernatural and not rational thought:

God can be funny
When told he'll give you money if you just pray the right way
And when presented like a genie
Who does magic like Houdini
Or grants wishes like Jiminy Cricket and Santa Claus

My interpretation is that she is saying that we have a "Right" to question God when such blackness happens. We have a right to be "Free Thinkers" and question even Gods existence. However, she is also saying their is a middle ground and that it is OK to be spiritual and to respect others religions and their belief in God. She takes a diplomatic agnostic view here seeming to admit she doesn't have all the answers to the mystery of the universe.

I disagree. I think we're all laughing with God because what is funny to God is funny to us and what is painful for God is painful for us as well. Perhaps this is simply because of my personal interpretation of God, but I see Him/Her as almost as helpless as we are in the horrible situations Regina gives. It's difficult to believe in a God who would orchestrate such horrors with pleasure. Perhaps in the grand scheme of things God had to have something bad happen in order for other things to work out, or perhaps God is simply unable to control all- I obviously don't know, and am personally agnostic anyway. I don't feel like Regina is trying to say that we're all laughing with God because we're afraid of Him/Her though.

Anyway, that's just my interpretation of the final line.

some one else might of already said this but i disagree, when i heard the song i thought it was meant to be sort of ironic (if thats used in the right way) as in people will sit there and mock god and make "good god jokes" but when it gets hard things get a bit more sombre and people pray to him and start to take the whole idea a bit more seriously.
If your at a funeral your not likely to hear someone sit there and make fun of the religious side of the affair, and in a war your more likely to take a religious approach even if its just for something to do.

the whole idea of people taking things for granted untill these thngs are gone and then immediately turning around and blaming the very entity they were just mocking. and "laughing at"

Actually, i see it how a bunch of people make jokes about God, and how many people make fun of the religious people for believing in a God, but once they're but in dire situations, even those people start praying.
Like how "no one's laughing at God in a hospital"
this song is beautiful!!!!!!

Yup. This is it.

This is what she's saying.

Good song.

I totally see that now too. :)

She's Jewish by birth, don't know how religious she is though.

She's Jewish but not strictly religious. She said recently: "I don't even know half the time what exactly I believe. I do know that in some moments, I'm sarcastic about religion, and sometimes, I'm in awe of it, and sometimes, I'm angry at it, and sometimes, I love it."

See it here: http://www.villagevoice.com/2009-06-10/music/are-you-there-god-it-s-me-regina-spektor/

Total agreement. I just don't understand mean atheists sometimes =/.
That's fine, disagree, don't believe in God, but I don't understand the people who get mad at Christianity, I can't defend many other religions because I'm not as well informed on those. But over all Christianity has good morals. I'm really glad she did this song. I'm not gonna try to look too deep into it because then I'm afraid it'll lose it's meaning and I think it's pretty frank already. I also agree with the part where people laugh at the idea of a God, but then turn to him in times of need.

Hello Rachel! Do people really get mad at Christianity? I'm not even sure what that might mean... how do you even get mad at a religion? It doesn't make sense to talk about 'getting mad' at ideas or concepts or beliefs. People get mad at other people or other beings.

apparently, watermind, some people do hate christianity, or probably the beliefs and teachings that are posted in the religion. these beliefs and concepts are probably rooted from people who made them, but some atheists hate the whole idea already.

watermind, in my experience the reason some atheists and agnostics take issue with organized religions is because we think the religions are dangerous and/or illogical. I don't think it's possible to completely articulate this entire argument right here, but you have to realize that religions have fueled a lot of hatefulness in the world. Yes, some good has come out too, but agnostics/atheists believe that that goodness doesn't need to be dependent on mythology. It's better to have a good that isn't intertwined with evil. Like, for example, the Bible is very contradictory, so along with saying "thou shall not kill," and "do unto others as they would do unto you," etc. (which pretty much every religious text says, btw haha), it also talks about killing, beating and owning women and slaves. Basically, an atheist/agnostic doesn't understand how the supposed "book of God" has so much hate and contradiction, and how a religious person can deny that if it really IS the book of God. Either it is or it isn't. Anyway, there is a lot more to it, but that's why we get "mad at religion." We don't think it's fair to put so much hate into the world for no reason.

There's so much wrong with this post but mostly the totally fabricated bit about "beating women". Atheists are always making up crap. Fail.

The thing that gets me is that you hardly ever see an atheist who isn't passionate in their atheism. I would think atheists would be apathetic, I mean, they don't believe in God, other people do, that's that. But, when you hear them speak about God, they're so angry about it. I personally think they DO believe in God, but they hate Him because of something that's happened in their life, so they don't "believe" in Him anymore.

LightofStars, I can't help but take issue with your post. First let me say, I am an atheist. That is my standing on this argument.
Your right, "atheists don't believe in god, other people do, that's that". But you can't stereotype that all atheists are 'angry about God'. And don't assume that they do believe but choose to hate Him because of something that just happened to them. Sometimes people just can't wrap their heads around an all powerful being watching over the universe. I wasn't raised in a religion, and thats the only reason I don't follow one now. I've gone many years without looking to a higher being for guidance, and at this age I don't think I would ever change my view. Thats not to say I hate God, or religion, or anything like it. My best friends are religious, and I've seen the great things it does for them and the great inspiration and strength it gives them. For people who have that, fantastic. For people who don't, they've learned to rely on themselves for this.
It shouldn't be an issue whether or not someone believes. We're all people just trying to live our lives our own ways. I wish that those atheists who openly bash religion would tone it down, because I get a lot of crap simply because the moment religious people hear I'm an 'atheist' they flip out and assume I'm a devil worshipper or something. And I also wish that those who are religious would be more understanding of those who are not. We aren't all immoral and awful people. Don't start telling us we're awful God-hating people. It's no fun to be persecuted just because for one reason or another you don't believe in a God.
I know it is way too much to ask for both sides to just accept each other without condoning or condemning the other, but if even a few people start to do so then it could start to make a bit of a difference, at least to a few individuals.

RuledbySecrecy6032, I agree mostly. I'm an aetheist like yourself and live in Australia, its very common here for people to be atheist or agnostic. The thing is, my problem is not with the concept of god, but religion. I like the concept of god, someone to rely on, to forgive you, to love you. That seems like for many people it is a wonderful thing. But i dont know many aetheists that would disagree with the idea that religion is what wrong with the world. It was, in my opinion the worst invention in history. Not God! I like the idea, as ive said before. But religion has been responsible for more war than anything else throughout history. The problem is that because it is text, it will of course be interpreted incorrectly. Either lost in translation or manipulated to someones own opinion. This is what our problem is, we cannot seperate god and religion properly, because for so long they have seemed connected and intertwined. When someone starts talking about god, we dislike it, we think that they are trying to convert us to a cult because that is how we have grown up.

personally i think the idea that religion is bad is a complete fallacy. relion can only be judged as good as bad to the extent that it is true or false, but since we cannot accurately judge this it is best to view religion as amoral. i always hear people blaming religion for all these problems throughout history, but it is not the fault of religion but rather the fault of humanity. humans take advantage of things for their own gain, and religion is no different. don't blame religion, blame power hungry and selfish people.

Well, everyone seems to be putting their reactions, so I guess I will. I'm a Jewish-Atheist person. By that, I mean that I've been raised as a Jew and agree with some Judaism teachings, but I also have trouble believing in God. As I see it, and I don't mean to offend anyone, but the bible seems like mainly fairy tales. They show good morals, but, to me, they don't seem plausible. Like Noah's ark. Filling one ark with every type of animal and having them sorted by genus and area is near, and if not, fully impossible. I think bible stories are stories with good morals, but are not to be taken as true accounts. Now, I have no problem with anyone believing in God. My only problem is when people use their religion as an excuse for hate. For instance, the anti-gay Christianity isn't right with me. Neither is saying that they're the only right religion and all others are bad (one time, a 5th grader told me I was going to hell for not accepting Jesus and because I was Jewish.One of the reasons why I like Judaism is the lack of "it's the only way to heaven!" claims). Toleration between people and religions and sexualities and races is key! And religion that excludes hatred is fine by me. In my opinion, I have no problem with people who pick and choose from the bible. Most Christians eat shellfish, but the bible says that's an abomination. However, when not only them, but especially those who pick and choose from the bible say being gay is an abomination are crazy. Why not choose love instead of hate if you're going to pick what to believe from the bible? Now, I think that the idea of God is great and I'd love to go to heaven after I die, but I think it's not real. I think it's to help people through life and have something to look forward to. If there is a God, I think the bible is a test. Whether you can tell the difference between right and wrong and actually think for yourself. If there is a God, I believe he would like us to be able to see what he's written and discover which make sense and which don't. I admit that, although I don't believe fully in god, I have prayed to him. I have because, if there is one, he would listen to reason if I explained why I didn't believe in him. I try not to put down other religions and be angry at Christianity. It's just the people who use their religion as an excuse for hate, injustice, and inequality that get me angry. I hope I haven't offended anybody. That's just my opinion.

And greenphoenix,

(Deuteronomy 20:10-14)

As you approach a town to attack it, first offer its people terms for peace. If they accept your terms and open the gates to you, then all the people inside will serve you in forced labor. But if they refuse to make peace and prepare to fight, you must attack the town. When the LORD your God hands it over to you, kill every man in the town. But you may keep for yourselves all the women, children, livestock, and other plunder. You may enjoy the spoils of your enemies that the LORD your God has given you.

and just as an addition, it's also the people who believe in things just because they're in the bible, but they have no reasoning behind them themselves. that bothers me. i'll use the gay example again. murdering is bad because it takes lives. that's why god says it's wrong. being gay is bad because . . . . ? as i see it, if there is a god, he would want us to go through his works and think that, if there's no reason behind it, there's no reason to believe it.

Weirdfro presents a lot of good points. I am however a christian and I have to disagree. This is going to sound very stupid but it will only sound stupid because you haven't experienced it. With God all things are possible. It says so in the Bible. So... what makes you think if God himself wanted an ark built and all of the animals separated by species, he wouldn't make it happen? Noah was of course the one who actually built it but do you think an all-powerful God would just let his own plans fall apart if he wanted them executed? Noah knew before he built the Ark that God would intervene on his behalf. Without God in the picture, it would certainly be close to impossible. About murder, when God asked someone to murder another human or group of humans in the Bible, it was fine. Why? Because it was a command that came FROM God. And if you read any passage in which this happens you'll find its for a good cause. Usually the people are to the point where they are completely infested with sin. If God didn't have them wiped out, their sin would spread and only make things worse. Being gay is bad because it completely goes against the Bible. You shouldn't present something unless You've read the Bible and can fully comprehend how everything is linked. In the beginning God created man and woman.. you know where I'm headed. God made it so that male and female can reproduce. If two males are together what are they accomplishing? They can't have children which destroys the point of having sexual organs and there's nothing that would make anyone think that a man and a man should go together. When we are born we essentially know what is wrong and right. Any christian man who becomes gay knows what he's doing because his spirit-man compels him to know it's wrong. The reason being gay is looked down upon so much by christians is because it's different than many sins in that if you choose to be gay, you can't just repent for it unless you completely turn from it. If one were to lie and asked God to forgive him with his whole heart God would forgive him. But if the man lied ten minutes after asking God to forgive him it's obvious who wasn't really pouring his heart out. It's the same with homosexuality. If someone's gay they continue to live a life of sin. If they die after living a life of sin and never asking God to forgive them.... Where will that lead?

I've loved this site for so long, and I think this is the song to pull me to getting an account and contributing. It's a tough subject, but I love that. I'd like to comment on the conversation in this thread, and then I will give my own interpretation of the song.

First off... I grew up in a very religious family and was very well learned in the bible and have read it through in its entirety a few times and done much research on bible subjects. Currently, I am not affiliated with any religion. I don't think that anyone can definitively say without a shadow of a doubt that God doesn't exist, simply for the fact that God is something that is based on faith. There is no true infallible way to prove God's existence or lack thereof, only compelling arguments that point out the miraculous nature of things and events and/or the explanation of their existence under certain circumstances. That being said, anyone is allowed their own opinion. My personal opinion/belief leans towards atheism. I'm a very analytical person, and I tend to believe that as we evolve as humans, we are learning more and more. (When I say evolve, I'm not talking about the progression from amoebas to humans - I'm referring to the inherent fact that we are expanding our technologies, wisdom and behavior. Just as a species starts to live in the depths of the ocean where there is no light, many generations reproduced in this habitat no longer need eyes or pigment and lose both over time. This evolution needs no debate.) Science is constantly reaching further into the structure of DNA, the behavior of the cosmos, the explanation for what conditions allows life, possibilities of live elsewhere (fossilized bacteria found on Mars, water on Earth's moon), etc. So much of this has led to my beliefs as they are today, along with many other things. But this isn't so much a topic about that - I'm just giving a bit of my background first.

For the purpose of this discussion, I'll use the title Christianity to encompass all religions that include a belief in Jesus Christ and God as his Father/United Being in the Trinity, etc. and that go by the Bible, be it the King James, New International, New World Translation, etc. Christianity is of course the most popular of religions.

To begin –
LovePeaceRachel: "I don't understand the people who get mad at Christianity"
LightofStars: “I would think atheists would be apathetic, I mean, they don't believe in God, other people do, that's that. But, when you hear them speak about God, they're so angry about it.”
I think that the atheist angst is more towards the idea of theocracy (or government by divine guidance) as a whole. From the perspective of someone that does not believe in this, it's quite difficult. Most atheists are forced to never reveal their beliefs due to the fact that atheists are such a minority and for other reasons I'll touch on later. It's hard to even quantify the number of atheists in the world due to the fact that most surveys include atheists with people who classify themselves as agnostic (not certain on either the existence or nonexistence of God, which would tie perfect with this song) or non-religious (of which many do in fact believe in a higher deity, but are not in agreement with organized religion). There are many closet atheists within modern science, politics, etc. If they revealed their beliefs, it could potentially ruin their careers. For the layman atheist, it is difficult because mentioning their beliefs within any group of people is almost guaranteed to bring reproach and almost always belittlement. It’s a matter of belief and faith that Christians believe very strongly and fearfully. Just to be clear, the “fear” I refer to is that of Exodus 20:20 and not intended as a derogatory statement. It’s just that whenever something is mentioned regarding atheistic beliefs, there is almost always a proverbial slap in the face. Also – and this is simply due to the nature of religion and its intent – Christians are constantly trying to convince others to convert and practice to follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ. If an atheist were to do so, again, it would most likely not end very well to say the least. This can leave one with the feeling that there is an extreme bias and that the world is against them, even though their beliefs may be just as deeply rooted as that of the Pope. Christians probably don’t see this due to the fact that they are the majority and have never truly experienced it. Unfortunately (and this lends itself to LightofStars’ comment), this leads to most all that you see from atheists being angry outbursts directed towards religions and/or religious people and puts a very bad light on atheism. In order not to do so and still state their beliefs, one would have to explain in great detail their perspective, which is impossible in an actual conversation with what rebuttals and anger might come from the religious people who hear it. While I myself do not get upset at people for their differing beliefs, it hurts me deeply when I see people fighting over opinions and lives being lost due to the differentials therein. I can see how this would cause one to have a fiery anger and desire to change this for the better, but it hardly comes out right.
Another reason I think you see anger is due to some of the things that religion has caused, which leads me to this comment:

Maera: “…you have to realize that religions have fueled a lot of hatefulness in the world.”
This isn’t the whole picture, but it is unfortunately true. One of the biggest arguments is that religion is at the root of war between different countries. While there are undoubtedly many wars that were waged due to economic and other reasons, religion does play a major and fundamental part. Different religions have different philosophies and principles. Religion plays an enormous part in the foundation of governmental principles. This leads to countries having a completely different way of life, and in many cases, other countries having differing laws/beliefs that might contradict major laws/beliefs in their own religion/culture/country. The bible says that God hates those that worship “false Gods”. This can cause one to hate an entire religion and thusly hating an entire culture and/or country, albeit vicariously. This can lead to a deeply-seeded form of hate, be it directed at individuals, a group of people or simply people’s actions. It also raises the self-authority, as each party in the matter feels that they are correct and that they have their God on their side and will defend it to the death. The most obvious example here is that of the extremists who sacrifice their own lives to kill “infidels” with the promise of salvation. I’m in no way saying that these and Christians are one in the same – I’m just making a comparison of conviction. Each person, no matter how twisted one might think their beliefs are, believes without a shadow of a doubt that their actions are rightful and just and that they will be rewarded for their actions. Also let me say that I in NO way agree with the extremists practices, or taking anyone’s life for that matter.
On the reverse side of this coin is the fact that organized religion has indeed done much good for humanity. Despite what you may believe in religiously, there are many foundations, charities, shelters, etc. etc. etc. that have religious basis. This leads me to this comment:
Pendo: “I'm an atheist… my problem is not with the concept of god, but religion.”
Weirdfro: “…I think bible stories are stories with good morals…”
Many of the morals and principles written in the bible are great to follow. There are of course quite a few practices that would not be considered today by most forms of Christianity, such as not eating pork/catfish/shellfish or, to an extreme, the execution of one that wastes his sperm without intent to procreate. (This could also lead to a discussion on the homosexuality issue and slittlemac’s comment “…They can't have children which destroys the point of having sexual organs”, but this post is long enough as it is and there is again no definitive answer.) But for the most part, the bible is filled with great principles and practices that can be a guiding force for one to lead a productive and loving life. I’m sure that this could be said for any religion’s beliefs. Considering the topic unbiased, I must now speak of God as a concept just as Pendo has. The concept of God is a great one. The one biggest fear that a human - or any life form for that matter - might have is death. Just like the gazelle that is chased by a lion in the wild, the threat (which can even be compared to the thought for humans) starts a natural reaction in the body. Adrenaline is distributed, the heart starts to pump blood at a very rapid rate, the digestive system temporarily shuts down, etc. Basically, the body goes into survival mode and shuts down anything that is not essential to survival at that moment. Your very heart works in the same way. Right now, note the speed your heart is beating. Now think about the fact that one day, your heart will in fact stop working at some point and you will die. Instinctively, the body goes into a quasi-survival/panic mode and the heart starts beating a bit faster in an attempt to avoid its end. We all have a fear of death. To have a belief in a life after death allows us to forget about death and consider it nothing but an incidental crossroad, or even the passage to something greater. This is an amazing way to live a much happier life in many ways, as long as you aren’t participating in activities that may bring you guilt or return that fear of death and/or that of eternal damnation. Again, this leads to an unfortunate flip-side to the coin – We are all imperfect, and therefore prone to sin at some point. This could lead one to believe that they are simply evil and bound to fail - thusly giving up on all forms of principles as they have already failed beyond redemption - but it can also lead one to try and correct their actions and lead a better life.
My bottom line is that all are entitled to their own individual beliefs, but it is unfortunately impossible to have an opinion without someone having a differing opinion. It’s very hard to coexist openly with how much conviction each of us has as humans. Religion is a sore subject and most likely always will be. This leads me to my interpretation of “Laughing With”.

I do feel that one’s interpretation is dependent on one’s own thoughts, and I also think that the best of songs are designed with ambiguity so that one can find their own meaning. I feel this song is one of the greatest examples. My OWN interpretation is this:
We all have fear (barring of course a medical condition that denies us this). When in our moments of tribulation, God is not a laughing matter. Even for some atheists on their deathbed there is the retracting of beliefs in the attempt to attain a way out because no one wants to see the end of everything. Bad things happen around the world. When we are hit with an extreme circumstance that brings us pain and sorrow, God is so great to lean on. Be it in principle or belief, be it that you believe in a God constantly watching over and helping you or that you believe God is an intangible and self-created psychological aid, God pulls so many through hard times. I’m sure many atheists in this world that are firmly convicted to their beliefs would absolutely love the ability to rely on a being that even they don’t believe in if it would help them through. In all these bad times, God is no laughing matter. But when at a party and someone says a comical God-themed joke, even religious people can be found laughing at the joke usually simply for the irony. God doesn’t seem to be in the most revered light when a strongly convicted religious person is shouting at you that you are hated by God and they get so red in the face due to the sheer hate of that person and/or their actions, especially considering that the bible says “God is Love”. There are several religions that believe the exact same thing and rely on the exact same principles, but believe that by going to any other church would lead to damnation. Thusly, they believe that by doing good within this religion that is correct over all others will lead to help by God when needed. Some even claim that God will bring you great fortune by joining their religion. The most sensitive part of this song, I think, is the part about God being “presented like a genie who does magic like Houdini or grants wishes like Jiminy Cricket and Santa Claus”. I’ll leave this bit to your own interpretation.
At the core of it, we all have opinions and beliefs. No matter what, we get nowhere if we refrain from being positive. I know of two very positive but differing opinions. From the atheistic point of view, God can be viewed as something that is psychological and in our heads but for the greater good – something that leads us to do good things, give us a proverbial shoulder to cry on, or can be considered as simply our own consciences and knowledge to differentiate right from wrong. From the religious point of view, God has a sense of humor. He created our humor and also knows that we are imperfect and bound to laugh as humor in irony is inherent. He’s understanding and caring. In the first sense, we in essence are God and therefore laughing with ourselves/with God. In the second, God created us with Humor and all that he has created is great and in his own image, so he smiles down on us in happiness for what he has created, and loves us to be happy.
No matter what you believe, no one is laughing at God – we’re all laughing with God.

I think thats a good interpretation, but the implication that no one laughs AT G-d because we are all laughing WITH him, is that G-d is either laughing at us mockingly or that these situations of tragedy created by G-d are funny to her...

i feel that your interpretation, ReSpekt, is absolutely spot-on. i was going to comment on these lyrics with the intention of writing something along those lines, but you put it brilliantly.

i will add that i think this song is it. i think this song is the song that ive been hoping for... the song that can lift up my spirits at any given moment. from now on, whenever i am feeling down, i will listen to this song and be reminded that i should always laugh with God! no matter how bad the situation, life really is too short to be taken so seriously. thank you, regina, for this marvelous piece of music that will serve as a constant and readily available reminder of this for me.

I absolutely agree with your interpretation of the song as opposed to the others. It makes me think about how all over the world people are oppressed and live in a hell on earth, dying horrific deaths and watching all those around them suffer; and then people think that their prayers to God actually matter concerning the luxury car they want to buy, or please God get me out of this traffic I want to go home, etc...

So many people think this song seems pro-religious, and I definitely disagree. You could not have put it better, great post.

Agreed - I don't think it's pro or anti-god specifically, it seems to be more an overall analysis of people's views of God all-round. Lovely song.

Just wanted to say that you phrased this exactly how I was thinking it. In times of trouble, we often become so desperate for anyone or anything to have control over a seemingly uncontrollable situation.

Thank you! I agree fully, and I'll add that the line "No one's laughing at God when they've lost all they got and they don't know what for" might even hold some anger twords the idea of god. but, I don't know.

all in all, a great post to a great song.

Mojohojo, that's quite true there are a lot of people who don't need or think about gods, poor people are more likely to be religious. (I saw a few studies but too lazy to look for them sorry, but they are online!) You got to think about all the people who are very religious, do everything by the book, only to have bad things happen to them.... that was me, I am happier as an atheist!

This song was wirtten for people like you.

And you didn't get the intended message.

Jews can be just as rational as Atheists, and it is irrational to think otherwise.

I agree with the op. This song definitely has a religious slant. However it is not contradictory for a person to be a logical theist. Great minds have stood on both sides of the line.

So by your interpretation, people want to become religious and believe in God when their kid gets killed by a drunk driver, gets killed in war, gets news they have cancer...

I don't think so

I don't usually post, but yes.....people do turn to God in those situations, Kuckus. It happens all the time. As with many songs, I believe it can be interpreted both ways presented by lovebee and kc155803. I too, cried when I heard this song...even before I really started listening for the meaning...very moving.

How come (if I can ask)?
I've totally done that before.

I did, also, I'm not sure what kc's exact reason was, but I know that once I listened along while reading the lyrics it really got to me. I just started thinking about people in these situations, even myself. The "on the day they realize the last sight they'll ever see's a pair of hateful eyes" really was it for me.

on the other hand lovebee does make valid points and since she is mainstream media his opinion does seem likely which would indicate the combination of those two would make her point

that we laugh at God when it goes with the crowd but when we're alone we laugh with Him because we are scared, and desperate.

also to point out how she mentions the incorrect ideas about God that people have such as "When told he'll give you money if you just pray the right way"

I completely agree with you.