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.
Moonlight on Water
Laura Branigan Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
What's goin' on inside your pretty head
What's life without a Mercedes
And the need to feel adrenaline rush
Is it better than moonlight on water
Is it better than sex on the beach
Think about us riding wild horses
I'm here for you no matter where you go
No matter what you do
I'm here for you when there's a lonely night
Who can you hold on to
I'm here for you, want you in my arms uncomplicated
I am for you, I am, but don't you worry ?bout the wrong things
Who's gonna be the competition
Who's next in line for promotion baby
Everyday the real world is fading
Spinning out on the wheel of fortune but
Is it better than moonlight on water
Is it better than sex on the beach
Think about us riding wild horses
Think about us riding wild horses
Think about us, it's not out of reach babe
I'm here for you no matter where you go
No matter what you do
I'm here for you when there's a lonely night
Who can you hold on to
I'm here for you, want you in my arms uncomplicated
I am for you, I am, but don't you worry ?bout the wrong things
You've been working so hard, don't you know it baby
You don't understand what I want from you
Instead of dreamin ?bout all that money
We got much simpler things to do
Moonlight on water
Sex on the beach
Think about us riding wild horses
Think about us, it's not out of reach babe
I'm here for you
No matter where you go, no matter what you do
I'm here for you
When there's a lonely night who can you hold on to
I'm here for you
Want you in my arms uncomplicated
I am for you, I am, but don't you worry ?bout the wrong things
I'm here for you no matter where you go
No matter what you do
I'm here for you when there's a lonely night
Who can you hold on to
I'm here for you, want you in my arms uncomplicated
I am for you, I am, but don't you worry ?bout the wrong things
The song Moonlight on Water by Laura Branigan is a romantic and uplifting ballad that encourages the listener to focus on the simple pleasures in life rather than getting caught up in the rat race of success and material possessions. Branigan sings about the beauty of nature and the joy of being with someone you love. She asks rhetorical questions about the meaning of life and whether it’s worth sacrificing happiness for material gain. Her answer is a resounding no, as she proclaims that the simple things, such as moonlight on water or riding wild horses, are what really matter in the end.
Branigan assures her loved one that she is always there for them, no matter where they go or what they do. She offers uncomplicated love and support, and encourages her partner not to worry about the wrong things. The verses are relatively introspective, with Branigan pondering the nature of success and competition, but the chorus provides an enthusiastic and majestic release, as she belts out the title phrase with soaring vocals. The song’s message is ultimately one of hope and optimism, that love and simplicity can conquer all.
Line by Line Meaning
What's goin' on down on the planet
What is happening in the world around us?
What's goin' on inside your pretty head
What is happening in your mind?
What's life without a Mercedes
Is life worth living without material possessions such as a Mercedes car?
And the need to feel adrenaline rush
And the desire to feel excitement and adventure?
Is it better than moonlight on water
Is it more enjoyable than experiencing the beauty and serenity of moonlight reflecting on water?
Is it better than sex on the beach
Is it more pleasurable than making love on the beach?
Think about us riding wild horses
Let's imagine ourselves riding free and wild horses
Think about us, it's not out of reach
Let's dream about the possibilities, they are within our grasp
I'm here for you no matter where you go
I will always be here for you, regardless of where life takes us
No matter what you do
Even if you make mistakes or take a different path than me
I'm here for you when there's a lonely night
I will be there to comfort you when you feel alone or sad
Who can you hold on to
Who else can offer you comfort and support?
I'm here for you, want you in my arms uncomplicated
I want to hold you close without any complications or expectations
I am for you, I am, but don't you worry 'bout the wrong things
I support you and care for you, but don't stress about things that don't matter
Who's gonna be the competition
Who are we competing against in life?
Who's next in line for promotion baby
Who will get ahead in their career next?
Everyday the real world is fading
Every day the harsh realities of life seem to fade away
Spinning out on the wheel of fortune but
We're just spinning on the unpredictable wheel of fate and chance
You've been working so hard, don't you know it baby
You've been putting a lot of effort into your work, don't you realize it?
You don't understand what I want from you
You don't seem to comprehend what I desire from our relationship
Instead of dreamin' 'bout all that money
Instead of obsessing over wealth and material possessions
We got much simpler things to do
We have more important and fulfilling things to focus on
Want you in my arms uncomplicated
I simply want to hold you in my arms with no strings attached
But don't you worry 'bout the wrong things
But please don't stress over unimportant concerns
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, SHAPIRO BERNSTEIN & CO. INC.
Written by: Kipner, Stephen Alan / Goldmark, Andy
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
shihlin1
All Laura fanatics know a guy named Doug Morris was instrumental in her career.
He was responsible in getting her signed to Atlantic Records.
But by her third album "Self Control", Doug was gone.
I'm not sure what happened between them, but the disappearance of Doug was the worst thing that could've happened to Laura.
Her career stalled after 1984 even tho the quality of her work never wavered.
No one was at the steering wheel driving her career.
Her agent who was responsible and Atlantic Records dropped the ball. Big time.
This track and album were released the same year (1990) Mariah Carey and Celine Dion made their debut.
Yet in the short time look how their careers skyrocketed even tho Laura was their equal vocally every step of the way.
juste a random dude
What's goin' on down on the planet
What's goin' on inside your pretty head
What's life without a Mercedes
And the need to feel adrenaline rush
Is it better than moonlight on water
Is it better than sex on the beach
Think about us riding wild horses
Think about us, it's not out of reach
I'm here for you no matter where you go
No matter what you do
I'm here for you when there's a lonely night
Who can you hold on to
I'm here for you, want you in my arms uncomplicated
I am for you, I am, but don't you worry ?bout the wrong things
Who's gonna be the competition
Who's next in line for promotion baby
Everyday the real world is fading
Spinning out on the wheel of fortune but
Is it better than moonlight on water
Is it better than sex on the beach
Think about us…
Sean Blair
I'm 14 and obsessed with this woman, all of her music is amazing. So sad she's not here anymore RIP.
Whatsapp✙ ④④⑦⑨②⑧⑨⑦③⑨②①
is so gr8 u found gr8 music to listen to
M
I feel you! I was about the same age as you when I first heard of Laura B
kryer981
It is sad. I mourned for a week when she died. I thank God for her life, though.
Brian King
My obsession was at 14 also..now im 52.
newbieisback
@Brian King same age here
shyman99
If only radio hadn't ignored Laura by the time this wonderful song was released it would have been a giant. What a hypnotic rhythm track. I can't sit when this song plays.
Whatsapp✙ ④④⑦⑨②⑧⑨⑦③⑨②①
If I was in radio, believe me, she would have been promoted! Seems like she was promoted more thru the Midwest states, which was fine, because I grew in South Dakota, and always heard her non single hits play in grocery stores and around, like never in a million years and this song for instance, and shattered glass
Whatsapp✙ ④④⑦⑨②⑧⑨⑦③⑨②①
And I wanted an all Laura Branigan station, she certainly had enuff songs
Whatsapp✙ ④④⑦⑨②⑧⑨⑦③⑨②①
Yes, u are right! I grew up in SD myself and heard her songs alot in stores and such!