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.
Living A Lie
Laura Branigan Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Now you're wondering why
How'd you get in this situation?
Now it's your turn to cry
You're living a lie, you're wasting your time
Caught in a dream, you're living a lie
You're living a lie, you're wasting your time
You keep wonderin' where she's goin'
Just to find where she's been
Could it be she no longer loves you?
Could it be it's the end?
You're living a lie, you're wasting your time
Caught in a dream, I said you're living a lie
You're living a lie, you're wasting your time
Caught in a dream, you're living a lie
Somebody better help this boy
He's chasing rainbows in the sky
But there's a fool in every boy
The things you never question why
You're living a lie, you're wasting your time
Caught in a dream, you're living a lie
You're living a lie, you're wasting your time
Caught in a dream, I said you're living a lie
You're living a lie, you're wasting your time
Caught in a dream, ah, you're living a lie
You're living a lie, you're wasting your time
Caught in a dream, you're living a lie
You're living a lie, you're wasting your time ... [fade out
The lyrics of Laura Branigan's song "Living a Lie" speak about the feeling of being lost and disillusioned in a relationship. The song starts with the singer's situation where her partner is not answering her calls, and she wonders how she landed in this situation. However, in the next verse, the focus shifts, and the singer wonders about her partner's whereabouts and whether he is still in love with her, implying that there is a communication gap in their relationship. The chorus acts as a reminder of their illusions and how they are living a lie, only to realize that they are wasting their time, caught in a dream.
The song's lines "Somebody better help this boy, he's chasing rainbows in the sky" indicate the other person's inability to see the truth and how he is trapped in his illusions. The song concludes with the repetition of the chorus, emphasizing the song's central idea of living a lie.
Overall, "Living a Lie" is a relatable and poignant song about the struggles of relationships and how people can often live in a state of delusion, not realizing the truth until it's too late.
Line by Line Meaning
You've been callin' and there's no answer
You have been trying to reach out to someone, but they have been ignoring your calls.
Now you're wondering why
As a result, you are now confused and unsure about the reason behind this behavior.
How'd you get in this situation?
You are now questioning how you ended up in this situation to begin with.
Now it's your turn to cry
You are now experiencing the emotional pain that comes with being ignored or rejected.
You're living a lie, you're wasting your time
You are currently living a life that is based on false beliefs or delusions, and this is causing you to waste your time and energy on something that is not grounded in reality.
Caught in a dream, you're living a lie
You are also fixated on an idealized version of reality, which is causing you to avoid facing the truth about the situation.
You keep wonderin' where she's goin'
You are preoccupied with the whereabouts of another person, and this is causing you to feel anxious and insecure.
Just to find where she's been
In order to ease your discomfort and anxiety, you are trying to locate this person and retrace their steps.
Could it be she no longer loves you?
You are now considering the possibility that the other person no longer has feelings for you.
Could it be it's the end?
You are also beginning to realize that this relationship may be coming to a close.
Somebody better help this boy
The singer is expressing concern for the person in question, and believes that they would benefit from outside help or guidance.
He's chasing rainbows in the sky
The person is pursuing a goal or ideal that is unlikely or impossible to achieve.
But there's a fool in every boy
The singer acknowledges that everyone makes mistakes or errors in judgement at some point in their life, and it is important to learn from them.
The things you never question why
The person has been ignoring or avoiding certain aspects of the situation that they should be questioning.
You're living a lie, you're wasting your time ... [fade out]
The song concludes with a repetition of the first two lines, emphasizing the idea that the person is living in a state of denial and wasting their time on something that is not meant to be.
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind