Davis' independent streak began in Little Rock, Arkansas, where she kicked off her career at 12 years old. Now based in Nashville, she has earned acclaim not only for her live show, but also her sharp, articulate songwriting. She collaborates with co-writers like Grammy-winner Maren Morris on Cactus, whose bold, country-leaning sound was produced by Jordan Lehning. The result is Elise Davis' most honest record to date — an album about what it takes to stand alone, rooted in the hard-won wisdom of a songwriter who's unafraid to shine a light on her missteps and victories.
Last Laugh
Elise Davis Lyrics
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Blue skies and fields of green
And the night stars glittering
I cried a deep, blue sea
'Cus I see the ghost you'll be
Your beauty is withering
Still be here when it's all gone bad
We'll be like an old memory you had
And you'll still be spinning around
Will we close our eyes and stay the same
Dancing beneath the poison rain
'Til it all goes up in flames
Hold a flower up to the sun
Watch the petals fall one by one
Like a thread unraveling
I know you'll have the last laugh
Still be here when it's all gone bad
We'll be like an old memory you had
And you'll still be spinning around
Maybe we're just not meant to last
Maybe it's true, all things must pass
We'll be like an old memory you had
And you'll still be spinning around
You'll still be spinning around
You'll still be spinning around
Elise Davis's song "Last Laugh" is a poignant and emotional reflection on the inevitability of change. The song speaks to the idea that everything is temporary and fleeting, and that even the most meaningful relationships and experiences will eventually fade away. Davis paints a vivid picture of a past love who was once a pillar of support, but has now become a source of pain and grief.
The first verse sets the scene with imagery of idyllic beauty - blue skies, fields of green, and glittering stars. This nostalgic image is quickly contrasted with a sense of deep sadness as Davis sings of crying a "deep, blue sea". The subject of her tears is revealed in the next line - "I see the ghost you'll be. Your beauty is withering." Here Davis acknowledges that even the most beautiful experiences will eventually fade and become memories.
The chorus is where the title phrase "Last Laugh" takes center stage. Davis sings with a mix of sadness and bitterness that her lover will "still be here when it's all gone bad", as if mocking her from beyond the grave. The imagery of an "old memory" spinning around reinforces the sense that everything is cyclical - what was once new and exciting will eventually become old and forgotten. And yet there is a sense of defiance and determination in Davis's voice, as if she refuses to be defeated by the inevitability of change.
Overall, "Last Laugh" is a powerful song that speaks to the human experience of loss and impermanence. It acknowledges the pain and sadness that comes with the knowledge that everything is temporary, but also urges the listener to value the present moment and hold onto it tightly.
Line by Line Meaning
You were always there for me
You were a constant support for me
Blue skies and fields of green
You brought color and vibrancy to my life
And the night stars glittering
You made my darkest times beautiful
I cried a deep, blue sea
I cried so much that it felt like I was drowning in sadness
'Cus I see the ghost you'll be
I can see how you will haunt me even after you're gone
Your beauty is withering
Your charm and beauty are fading away
I know you'll have the last laugh
You will have the satisfaction of seeing me suffer
Still be here when it's all gone bad
You will still be present even when everything falls apart
We'll be like an old memory you had
We will become a distant memory for you
And you'll still be spinning around
You will continue to enjoy life even after leaving me behind
Will we close our eyes and stay the same
Can we avoid change by refusing to face reality?
Dancing beneath the poison rain
Enjoying life despite the challenges and difficulties
'Til it all goes up in flames
Until everything comes crashing down
Hold a flower up to the sun
Appreciating the beauty of nature
Watch the petals fall one by one
Witnessing the fleeting nature of life
Like a thread unraveling
Seeing everything fall apart little by little
Maybe we're just not meant to last
Perhaps our relationship is not meant to be forever
Maybe it's true, all things must pass
Maybe everything in life is temporary
You'll still be spinning around
You will continue to live your life happily even after leaving me behind
Contributed by Olivia M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.