Laura
Ella Fitzgerald Lyrics


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Laura is the face in the misty lights
Footsteps that you hear down the hall
The laugh that floats on a summer night
That you can never quite recall

And you see Laura on the train that is passing through
Those eyes how familiar they seem
She gave your very first kiss to you
That was Laura but she's only a dream

And you see Laura on the train that is passing through
Those eyes how familiar they seem





She gave your very first kiss to you
That was Laura but she's only a dream

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Ella Fitzgerald's song Laura are haunting and poetic, painting a vivid portrait of a woman who seems both present and elusive at the same time. The song is about the power of memory and how it shapes our perception of reality. Laura is not a physical person but rather a symbol for the dreams and desires that we hold onto throughout our lives. The first verse sets the scene with the image of Laura as a face in the misty lights and the footsteps that we hear down the hall. These sensory details create a sense of nostalgia and longing that permeates the entire song.


The second verse shifts to the present moment, as the singer sees Laura on a passing train. This moment is both powerful and bittersweet, as the familiarity of Laura's eyes sparks a flood of memories and emotions. The line "she gave your very first kiss to you" adds another layer of complexity to the song, suggesting a nostalgic longing for a lost innocence or a time when things were simpler. Yet Laura remains out of reach, existing only as a dream that we can never quite grasp. The ambiguity of the lyrics is part of their appeal, as they allow listeners to bring their own experiences and interpretations to the song.


Overall, Ella Fitzgerald's song Laura is a poignant meditation on memory, longing, and the power of the imagination. Its evocative lyrics and haunting melody have made it a classic of the jazz and pop repertoire.


Line by Line Meaning

Laura is the face in the misty lights
Laura represents a mysterious, yet captivating figure seen in the dim lights.


Footsteps that you hear down the hall
Her presence can be felt even when she's not around, as if her footsteps still echo throughout the halls.


The laugh that floats on a summer night
Her laughter carries through the still summer air, a sound that is both joyous and haunting.


That you can never quite recall
Despite the vivid images she provokes, there's always a sense of mystery surrounding her, as if her true identity is just out of reach.


And you see Laura on the train that is passing through
Even in mundane moments, her likeness can be found, appearing like a mirage in passing moments.


Those eyes how familiar they seem
In every incarnation, her eyes reveal a familiarity to the beholder, as if there's a deeper connection there beyond the physical.


She gave your very first kiss to you
Laura represents a formative influence in the singer's life, a moment of innocence and discovery.


That was Laura but she's only a dream
Despite her impact on the artist, her presence is as elusive as a dream, leaving them to wonder if she was ever really there.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: David Raksin

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@orange2circles422

"Laura"

Laura is the face in the misty lights
Footsteps that you hear down the hall
The laugh that floats on a summer night
That you can never quite recall

And you see Laura on the train that is passing through
Those eyes how familiar they seem
She gave your very first kiss to you
That was Laura but she's only a dream

And you see Laura on the train that is passing through
Those eyes how familiar they seem
She gave your very first kiss to you
That was Laura but she's only a dream



All comments from YouTube:

@MikeBanks2003

Enunciation, timing, tone, Ella Fitzgerald is the queen of it all, --no one has come closely to her, before or since, and there have been many greats..

@darudesandstorm5993

what about Lady Day?

@jamesbumbry8358

So elegant, beautiful, pace, style with clarity, class, and dignity. Miss Ella Fitzgerald that is why Miss Doris Day an outstanding singer in her own right, took your style of singing with clarity, pace, elegance, and gave it her own twist. My hope is DD told you as much, and invited you over for dinner, DD made millions.

@BernardProfitendieu

This song has been recorded over 400 times and to me this is the best of all! just beautiful
Ella Fitzgerald and Nelson Riddle are an unbeatable duet!!

@TheRicsilver48

Anything that Ella sings is always great. 😊❤❤❤❤❤

@DavidBurya-wi5co

One of the best, possibly the best. What a voice

@carlosmanuelgomez6961

Inmortal performance this great masterpiece, THANK ELLA❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

@danielboyer3272

La plus grande de toutes les chanteuses !

@lauramartin7132

My Jazz Musician/Singer Father named me after this song and I am sure this rendition, he was a huge Ella fan as I am. Bravo Ella! Laura

@mashjijinmash9685

I was named after the song Laura's Aura

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