In 1980 I saw the Kinks at Nassau Coliseum with a relative unknown as the opening act. John Cougar was promoting "Nothing Mattered and What If It Did", his second album. He had already achieved some modicum of fame, having authored "I Need A Lover" which was a huge hit for Pat Benatar. Fast forward to 1982 and the release of "American Fool" and JCM was an unknown no more. In 1985 he released "Scarecrow" which remains one of my favorite albums. Especially this song, which 20 years later, hits home more than ever.
Between A Laugh & A Tear
*with great vocals by Rickie Lee Jones
When paradise is no longer fit for you to live in
And your adolescent dreams are gone
Through the days you feel a little used up
And you don't know where your energys gone wrong
It's just your soul feelin a little downhearted
Sometimes life is too ridiculous to live
You count your friends all on one finger
I know it sounds crazy just the way that we live
Chorus:
Between a laugh and a tear
Smile in the mirror as you walk by
Between a laugh and a tear
And that's as good as it can get for us
And there ain't no reason to stop tryin'
When this cardboard town can no longer amuse you
You see through everything and nothin' seems worthwhile
And hypocrite used to be such a big word to you
And it don't seem to mean anything to you now
Just try to live each and every precious moment
Don't be discouraged by the future forget the past
That's old advice but it'll be good to you
I know there's a balance see it when I swing past
Chorus:
Between a laugh and a tear
Smile in the mirror as you walk by
Between a laugh and a tear
And that's as good as it can get for us
And there ain't no reason to stop tryin
Between a laugh and a tear
Smile in the mirror as you walk by
Between a laugh and a tear
And that's as good as it can get for us
And there ain't no reason to stop tryin'
When paradise can no longer amuse you.....
