In the early 1970s Branigan was a member of the band Meadow, which released one album in
1973 called The Friend Ship. In 1976 (April - July) she toured Europe as a backing vocalist for Leonard Cohen. Upon Laura’s return to New York, it became clear to her that she wanted to pursue a career as a solo artist. Laura’s powerful talent, as well as her drive and determination, led to her being signed in October 1977. in a meeting at Sid Bernstein office. He became her first manager. In 1979, Laura Branigan signed with Ahmet Ertegun to the label, Atlantic Records. Her first album, known as Silver Dreams, was to be released in 1981 but it was canceled due to a contract lawsuit with her management.
Laura’s first major appearance on the pop scene was with the anthem “Gloria” in 1982, which has become the signature song of her career. "Gloria" was an English-language cover of a 1979 hit by Italian singer Umberto Tozzi. The track came from Laura’s debut album, Branigan. “Gloria” was a multi-platinum hit single, rising to the top of the Billboard charts and staying on the charts for an amazing thirty-six weeks. Laura received a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Vocalist Female for the song.
In 1983, Laura released Branigan 2 and had two more top ten hits with “Solitaire” and “How Am I Supposed To Live Without You”, confirming her status as a major artist, with the latter track reaching the #1 position on the adult Contemporary charts. That same year, Laura could also be heard on the Flashdance soundtrack with “Imagination”. Her musical involvement with the film led her to receive her second Grammy nomination.
In 1984, the album Self Control was released with the title track, "Self Control" reaching the top ten. "Self Control" became Laura's biggest international hit single. Another single from the album, "The Lucky One" went top 40. Laura also won the coveted Grand Prize at the 13th Tokyo Music Festival for her riveting performance of “The Lucky One.”
Laura’s album Hold Me was released in 1985 and included the top 40 hit “Spanish Eddie”. In 1987 Touch was released. With this album, Laura became more personally involved with the recording process. The ballad, "The Power of Love”, returned Laura to the top 40. Throughout the 80’s, Laura’s songs also appeared on the Ghostbusters, Body Rock, Coming To America, and Salsa soundtracks.
Laura released Laura Branigan in 1990. With this album, Laura added producing to her repertoire with her cover of the disco-era "Turn The Beat Around." Laura's seventh album, Over My Heart, was released in 1993. This recording was by far her most personally reflective to date. In 1995, a US greatest hits collection called The Best of Branigan was released. This hits compilation included two new cover tracks, "Show Me Heaven" and "Dim All The Lights." There have been several international greatest hits compilations released also. Laura performed for audiences in the United States, Canada, Europe, South America, Asia, Australia, and Africa, touring the world several times.
During her career, Laura appeared frequently on several of the most popular television shows of the day, including "The Merv Griffin Show," American Bandstand," The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson," and "Solid Gold."
Laura’s acting credits included television’s "CHiPs" and "AutoMan", among others, and the films "Mugsy’s Girls" and "Backstage".
In the mid 90's Laura took a break from her career and devoted her time to caring for her husband, who was diagnosed with cancer, until his death. During the late 90’s while Laura was dealing with the loss of her husband, she performed only the occasional concert. In early 2001 she made her return to the studio. 2002 saw the release of "The Essentials", a digitally remastered hits compilation. During 2002, Laura also performed the role of the singing Janis Joplin in the hit New York City musical "Love, Janis."
2004 saw the release of "Self Control 2004" and "Gloria 2004", collections of remixes of the original Branigan classics produced by some of Europe's top remixers, which feature stunning, newly-recorded vocals by Laura. Laura was at work performing concerts at various venues, as well as continuing to record her album of new material, and it was with great expectation and anticipation that fans everywhere were awaiting its release. Laura was back touching audiences once again with the unique four-octave range voice, consuming passion, and undeniable power that was pure Branigan!
Sadly, Laura passed away suddenly on August 26, 2004 † from a brain aneurysm. She was 52 years. At the time of her passing, Laura was working on the production of an EP, a manuscript for a cookbook she was in the process of writing, and the opening of her official online store.
The years since her passing have seen the release of the 2006 UK greatest hits compilation, "The Platinum Collection" and the 2007 repackaging of Laura's US hits compilation, "The Best Of Branigan," as part of Warner Music's "Greatest Hits" series. In 2008, Laura's albums "Touch," "Laura Branigan," and "Over My Heart" were reissued.
Did you know Laura Branigan:
- attended St John's and St Mary's Church in Chappaqua, Westchester County. In spring 1959 she had her holy communion, and added Frances to her names. Laura Ann Frances Branigan.
- attended catholic school, Chappaqua. Graduated 1966
- attended Byram Hills High School in Armonk between 1966-1970. Her graduation day was June 21, 1970.
- Byram Hills Memorial Scholarship is given annually to a senior for excellence in the Performing Arts.
The award is presented in memory of Laura Branigan, BHHS class of 1970.
- attended The American Academy of Dramatic Arts, Manhattan New York, between 1970-1972.
- was a background singer on Leonard Cohen's 1st tour in Europe, April to July 1976
Laura Branigan was married to Lawrence "Larry" Ross Kruteck (1936-1996), a lawyer 16 years her senior, in December 8, 1978.
I'm Not The Only One
Laura Branigan Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
They try to hide their glances in the darkness
How could there be anyone as beautiful as you?
Who couldn't help but want you?
I'm not the only one who wants to get next to you
Bet I'm not the only one who's ever told you
How much they wanted to be your only one
Holding you, touching you, feeling you
Will it be me at the end of the night?
Will I be, will I be the lucky one who wins you?
Leavin' the place just to dream of your embrace
Who wouldn't want to be in my place?
I'm not the only one who wants to get next to you
Bet I'm not the only one who's ever told you
How much they wanted to be your only one
They all wanted you, you'll break every heart before the night is through
Every heart but the one that goes with you
There you are, moving across the floor
Knowing that all those arms are waiting and wanting
Longing to reach for you
You don't care, you could have anyone you choose
I'm not the (I'm not the) only one who wants to get next to you
Bet I'm not the only one who's ever told you
How much they wanted to be your only one
They all wanted you, wanted to be holding you now
Holding you, touching you, feeling you
I want to get next to you
Bet I'm not the only one who's ever told you
How much they wanted to be your only one
They all wanted you ... [fade out]
The lyrics of the song "I'm Not the Only One" by Laura Branigan express the feelings of a person deeply in love and enamored by someone beautiful. The song talks about how the subject of the song is being admired by many people in the room, with "secret eyes" trying to catch a glimpse of their beauty. The singer wonders who wouldn't want to be in their place, as they imagine themselves as the lucky one who will be with this person at the end of the night.
The chorus conveys that the singer is not the only one who wants to be near this person, and that they are not the first to express how much they want to "be their only one." The singer acknowledges that everybody in the room wants to be with the person they're talking about before emphasising they could have anyone they choose. Despite this, the singer is hopeful that they may be the lucky one to win their affection.
The song captures the thrill of discovering new love and the competition that comes with it. The lyrics convey the excitement and anticipation of being in love, but also the potential heartbreak and disappointment that can follow. The song tells a relatable story, and Laura Branigan's powerful voice gives life to the emotions in the song, making the lyrics even more expressive.
Line by Line Meaning
Secret eyes follow you around the room
People are secretly watching you in the room.
They try to hide their glances in the darkness
They conceal their glimpses of you to avoid being seen.
How could there be anyone as beautiful as you?
You are breathtakingly beautiful and unique.
Who couldn't help but want you?
Everyone desires to be with you because of your beauty and personality.
I'm not the only one who wants to get next to you
Many people want to be close to you, not just me.
Bet I'm not the only one who's ever told you
I'm sure others have expressed their desire for you before.
How much they wanted to be your only one
All of us want to be your partner and the one for you.
They all wanted you, wanted to be holding you now
Everyone craves physical touch with you and longs to hold you.
Will it be me at the end of the night?
I wonder if you will pick me as your partner by the end of the night.
Will I be, will I be the lucky one who wins you?
I hope I'm fortunate enough to be chosen by you as your companion.
Leavin' the place just to dream of your embrace
I can't stop thinking about holding you, even after leaving the venue.
Who wouldn't want to be in my place?
My position and likelihood of winning your affection is desirable.
You'll break every heart before the night is through
You will leave a trail of heartbreak behind you tonight because so many of us want you and can't have you.
Every heart but the one that goes with you
The only person who won't have their heart broken by you is the one you choose to be with.
There you are, moving across the floor
I see you dancing and moving gracefully across the room.
Knowing that all those arms are waiting and wanting
You're aware that many people are eagerly waiting to hold you in their arms.
Longing to reach for you
They're hoping to embrace you and express their feelings for you.
You don't care, you could have anyone you choose
You seem indifferent to the attention you receive because you know you have many options.
I want to get next to you
I also desire to be close to you and experience your presence.
Bet I'm not the only one who's ever told you
I'm sure others have revealed their feelings for you before.
They all wanted you
Like me, others are drawn to you and find you irresistible.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: DIANE EVE WARREN, STEVE ANGELICA
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind