SongMeanings | Lyrics | Regina Spektor

R
Regina Spektor
Laughing With
125 Comments

Lyrics for Laughing With as interpreted by tinylittlewords

Laughing With Lyrics

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No one laughs at God in a hospital
No one laughs at God in a war
No one's laughing at God when they're starving or freezing or so very poor

No one laughs at God when the doctor calls after some routine tests
No one's laughing at God when it's gotten real late and their kid's not back from that party yet

No one laughs at God when their airplane starts to uncontrollably shake
No one's laughing at God when they see the one they love hand in hand with someone else and they hope that they're mistaken
No one laughs at God when the cops knock on their door and they say "We've got some bad new, sir,"
No one's laughing at God when there's a famine, fire or flood

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

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

God can be so hilarious
Ha ha
Ha ha

No one laughs at God in a hospital
No one laughs at God in a war
No one's laughing at God when they've lost all they got and they don't know what for

No one laughs at God on the day they realize that the last sight they'll ever see is a pair of hateful eyes
No one's laughing at God when they're saying their goodbyes

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

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

God can be so hilarious

No one laughs at God in a hospital
No one laughs at God in a war

No one laughs at God in a hospital
No one laughs at God in a war

No one's laughing at God in a hospital
No one's laughing at God in a war

No one's laughing at God when they're starving or freezing or so very poor

No one's laughing at God
No one's laughing at God
No one's laughing at God
We're all laughing with God

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125 Comments

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shaylaaajaneee
05-08-2009

Rated 0

This song is so wonderful!!! Ahhh, I can't wait for the new album.

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Grapple
05-08-2009

Rated 0

Can't wait for the new album. This song is great.

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lizawithaz
05-08-2009

Rated +1

Absolutely beautiful. The last bit to me seems to be a bit as if no one's laughing at, they're all laughing with because they're scared it'll be them next.

1 Reply

Lightfoot1818
08-11-2009

Rated 0

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.

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HaverchuckTheStud
05-08-2009

Rated +2

This song kills me, in a good way. It's a great mix of her early styles and newer styles :)

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themosthumancolor
05-08-2009

Rated +2

I'm not really sure about the meaning yet. I think she's saying that everybody thinks God is so cruel for putting people through all these horrible things. But God can be funny and happy too, just no one remembers that in times of bad.
But that's just what I got from listening to it a few time, I might change my mind later :) But it's amazing and I'm so glad she brought back her old style a little more. It's a little bit of a mix between Songs and Soviet Kitch (Which are my two favorite albums)

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LovePeaceRachel
05-08-2009

Rated +1

Lovee this song, so much!
I think the whole idea of God, to some people is a joke now a days.
All the Jesus and God jokes and such. And I think most of the song
is talking about how when you're put into serious situations like those,
you're not laughing anymore, what do you turn to?
But yeah I think she's also acknowledging God has a sense of humor, which is
very true.
I just loveee me some Reginaa <3

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lastchance1399
05-08-2009

Rated 0

i seriously love this song.

in this chorus-ish part though i think she sings:

"God can be funny
when told they'll give you money if you'd just pray the right way
and when presented like a genie who does magic like a beanie
or conjures up jimminy cricket or santa claus
God can be so hilarious"

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LovePeaceRachel
05-08-2009

Rated 0

Anyone know if Regina's actually religious?
Or what she is?

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GoodbyeGorgeous
05-08-2009

Rated 0

She's Jewish, LovePeaceRachel.

AHHHH. This is so exciting.

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carbonated_pears
05-08-2009

Rated 0

Regina is Jewish.

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Cherished
05-08-2009

Rated 0

I think this is kind of a jab to all of us who have ever scoffed at the idea of an almighty god, then with the same breath turn around and prayed..

to God..

And it's empty, of course, but the question is what's so wrong about trying?

You can't believe and not believe, you can't choose to one minute laugh at a God existing, and then the next minute to pray to Him and hope that everything's gonna be all right.

The other part of this song, mainly the chorus, I think is Regina poking fun at all of those that find religion so materialistic...all the bible thumpers, all the people that use God as an excuse for all the wrong reasons.

I think...in total...this song could be like saying "don't become so hateful that you have no one left to turn to other than God because all you'll find is contempt."

12 Replies

LovePeaceRachel
05-08-2009

Rated 0

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.

watermind
06-17-2009

Rated 0

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.

in_a_reverie
06-18-2009

Rated 0

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.

maera
06-24-2009

Rated 0

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.

greenphoenix
06-25-2009

Rated 0

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

LightofStars
06-28-2009

Rated 0

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.

RuledbySecrecy6032
06-30-2009

Rated 0

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.

pendo
07-15-2009

Rated 0

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.

dansr20det
07-20-2009

Rated 0

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.

weirdfro
10-08-2009

Rated 0

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.

weirdfro
10-08-2009

Rated 0

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.

slittlemac
10-11-2009

Rated 0

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?

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ReSpekt
05-08-2009

Rated +1

Everyone so far is saying that they love this new song, and I am one to agree.

But there doesn't seem to be much interpretation going on! So I'll go for a try.

I see two possible major meaning themes that Regina may have had in mind for this song.

The first is something that I do not see Regina doing, based upon her previous music. It goes along the lines of we should always "laugh with g-d" (as the last line says we are), for he has the ultimate power over our lives and our decisions.

The second, and I believe more plausible option, questions the fact that we are never "laughing at g-d" when we are put into unpleasant situations. "Why not laugh?", she may be asking. Life itself is such an ephemeral thing, and many of us take it far too seriously. We see death, we see destruction, and we squirm. Why should these things matter anyway? We are all but grains of sand laying on the beach, and no matter what, at some point, we will all get stepped on, and, possibly at a separate time, we will all be washed to the sea. Regina may be questioning the fact that we look for a positive ending in others' lives, for we know that all lives end anyway. This particular interpretation is egged on by the fact that the final chord resolves in this song, unlike the rest of the song, and unlike may of Regina's other songs. She may be questioning the fact that we are all looking for a resolution: the truth is it is rather impossible for us to find one.

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AlecsPen
05-08-2009

Rated 0

Damn I love Regina.

The song holds such a meaning to me already. The lyrics all relate something I've been thinking about for a while.

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crumbs
05-08-2009

Rated +2

I'm really amazed at how salient this religious aspect is within this song. It's quite cool!! and refreshing and unexpected, when so much other stuff out there is just lust and cheapness. But this is Regina!!

I agree with LovePeaceRachel and will say I definetley thinks this song is a representation of how people mock and laugh at God, taking him and the afterlife as a joke and non existent. Until something wrong happens and we realise that we're all really so vulnerable and affected by everything.
Pretty simple reading but I reckon it's great Regina's written a song on it.
So excited for Far!!

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lovebee
05-09-2009

Rated +6

I don't think this song is necessarily as pro-god as some people have suggested. I think it's more about human attitudes to god and religion than being about god himself.

The chorus is about the ridiculous perversions and commercialisations of religion, and how laughable the whole thing gets - all the paraphernalia, all the hatred it sparks, all the bullshit.

And then the verses are about the little jump of terror in your heart when you're staring something awful in the face and for a second you really wish someone was there to save you or help you - or you just wish that things were somehow in somebody's control, when in fact they really aren't. I think it's that primal terror in all of us that continues to give religion so much power despite all the ridiculous aspects of it.

I think that's what this song is about - what it is in people's hearts that makes them accept all the stupid parts of god, and why people just laugh at the ridiculous parts without ever rejecting religion. We'd rather be 'in on the joke', laughing with god, clinging to things that deep down we're not 100% sure are true, because the idea that we're all alone is too scary to bear.

3 Replies

mar0071
07-06-2009

Rated 0

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.

missme
07-21-2009

Rated 0

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.

mscman
11-06-2009

Rated 0

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.

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lovebee
05-09-2009

Rated 0

Further to my post above, I'd just like to clarify that I don't think this song is anti-god. I don't think it's judgmental either way - I think it's more of a bittersweet, ambivalent observation on the human condition, like so much of Regina's work. It's beautiful.

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mli
05-09-2009

Rated 0

I agree with some of you, and not with others.

I think people are laughing and making jokes about God. Saying he hates us and doesn't exist. Dismissing him like he was Santa Claus.
But when things in life are hard we're not laughing anymore. Then everyone go "nonono. No, we're not laughing AT you. We're laughing WITH you." You know, like everyone says even if they don't mean it. That's one of the lamest statements ever. You know, when you screw up and you know they're laughing at you and the bring on the WITH. So annoying. Just admitting it instead would be better.

I don't wanna put anything else in it; like what she thinks about it. I just think that she says that "this is the way it is, and this is how people usually react". And it's true.

I really like the first "ha ha". She sounds like she really doesn't want to laugh.

This song reminds me of Hero and Buildings, but it's darker.

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mojohojo
05-10-2009

Rated 0

To me i thought this song was about today's society's view on religion. Many people today are not religious or ever think about God when they have a great life ie. making decent money, partying with friends, superficial activities.
but when something serious happens, a death, sadness, loneliness; only then will they think of God. isn't this how a lot of people become religious? when their life is in turmoil.

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midouw
05-10-2009

Rated 0

Yeah i think it's about how some people only believe in god when they need something, but when they are ok god is not something to think about, or even take serious. I was expecting something deeper from Regina, but i still like this song. :)

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bostonrocket
05-11-2009

Rated 0

Hmm... I have always thought that Regina is not Jewish and instead is a closet rationalist, but now I think I'm wrong. I think this because although some think it is neither pro-God/anti-God, it seems to me that this song clearly has a pro-Religious slant. Oh well... truth, logic, and rational thought could use a check and balance... maybe... I guess...

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saythisismine
05-13-2009

Rated 0

I agree mostly with lovebee.

When I first heard this song, I actually interpreted it being a little bitter towards god.
I don't see this song pointing out that people turn to god when times get hard,
I see it saying that God is the one who actually causes the times to be hard, he is the one that does and allows all the things that follow the line "no one laughs at god when..."

and then the last line and chorus is just saying in exasperation that it's all just crazy.

I think she has a bit of an agnostic slant to her, and this was a way of letting out all the things she doesn't understand but she's trying to keep her chin up.

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kc155803
05-15-2009

Rated 0

I definitely think this is about how everyone is so quick to laugh at religion and make fun of religious people and people who believe in God, but once they're in a situation where they feel like no one can help them, then their whole mindset changes.

I think the last line "We're all laughing with God" is like little kids, when they're making fun of someone and they try to cover up by saying, "we weren't laughing AT you, we were laughing WITH you."
like "Oh, God, I wasn't laughing AT you, now that I need your help and I'm scared, I was laughing WITH you."

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kc155803
05-15-2009

Rated +1

I honestly started crying really hard the first time I heard this.

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sheela_l
05-15-2009

Rated 0

Look at the way the chorus is placed after the verses that seem to say "there are no atheists in foxholes". It's meant to contrast. I think the "crazies are crazy" line is the one meant to be heard. The way the song is upbeat. I don't think Regina's intention was straight-forward.

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songstodiscuss
05-17-2009

Rated 0

i think so far i disagree with lovebee and agree with kc155803 about the interpretation of this song.

gah, it is so powerful and dark and upsetting and stirring..i can hardly stand it. regina is a fabulous.

i definitely agree the childlike "we're not laughing at you..we're laughing WITH you" idea that a lot of people are bringing to the discussion. it seems like a pretty strong reason for her to name the song "laughing with"...as a clarification that, -wait a second, god, we're laughing WITH you. don't get all vengeful on us!- because people really are like little children, making games and jokes out of everything...but then when it comes down to the serious stuff of life, we're all incredibly scared of our lack of power, and the fact that there could be a god who is controlling all of this...scared of what that power could to do us. so the whole "we're only laughing WITH you" is kind of a bail out we use when we realize -uh oh...we don't have control and he does and we might need him.-

i just heard the song and read the lyrics 10 minutes ago, so these thoughts aren't developed ones in the least...but just initial reactions...

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