SLS

Song Lyric Sunday – “If I Laugh”

Maggie

Jim gives the following guideline:

“This week we have the prompt Chat/Laugh/Rant/Scream/Talk and the song that you choose must contain one of these prompt words in either the title or the lyrics.“

I joined the Air Force right after I graduated from High School. After Basic Training and Tech School, I was assigned to an Air Force base in Columbus, Ohio. At that time, we had only one female enlisted dorm on the base which as you can imagine made it a popular hang out spot for all the guys.

Our dorm was beside the dorm where all the hospital airmen were housed. We came to know them all well. I made many a grilled cheese sandwich and cheese omelette in an electric skillet in our dayroom – the only place guys were allowed.

I became good friends with a medic named Denny. He had a big crush on me, but he was a bit of a bad boy so I kept him at a friendly distance. He was a frequent visitor in our day room.

This year was was the time Cat Stevens (now Yusuf Islam) was a rage. I had most of his albums including the album “Teaser and the Firecat” (released October 1971) which contained big hits like “Peace Train”, “Moonshadow”, and “Morning Has Broken”. (The artwork for the album is also by Cat Stevens.) It also included the song “If I Laugh” which I chose today. It is another pure guitar melody with simple lyrics.

While stationed in Ohio, I developed a severe case of gastroenteritis and was hospitalized for three days. My good friend Denny was a medic and worked the night shift at the hospital. Around midnight every night he came to my room, sat by my bed, and played “If I Laugh” for me. This is where I learned about Martin guitars and learned to love this song. Denny loved his Martin guitar above all else. Of course, I lost track of him, but I will always remember when he serenaded me by my hospital bed.

If I Laugh
Lyrics from Genius.com

If I laugh just a little bit
Maybe I can forget the chance
That I didn’t have to know you
And live in peace, in peace

If I laugh just a little bit
Maybe I can forget the plans that
I didn’t use to get you
At home with me alone

If I laugh just a little bit
Maybe I can recall the way
That I used  to be, before you
And sleep at night and dream
If I laugh, baby if I laugh
Just a little bit

Song Lyric Sunday is hosted every Sunday by Jim Adams. If you would like to join in the fun, check out his blog for the rules and to take in all the other music posted by other bloggers.

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32 thoughts on “Song Lyric Sunday – “If I Laugh””

  3. ‘Talk’ made me think of this old song immediately. I love her voice.

    My favourite Cat Stevens song is ‘Remember The Days Of The Old Schoolyard?’ I like the version by Linda Lewis.
    Best wishes, Pete.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. That’s a great song, Pete. I always liked Crystal Gayle’s voice, too. Of course she comes from such a musical family it’s no wonder. And yes, I love your Cat Stevens Song, too.

      Liked by 1 person

  5. Cat Stevens wrote so many great songs. This song seems simple enough, but I can see why it made an impression on you being in the hospital and having somebody singing about laughing.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. It is a simple song, but I have always been captivated by its simplicity, Jim. It is such a tender memory for me which adds to my appreciation of the song. Cat stevens was and is a talented man.

      Liked by 1 person

  7. Beautiful story, Maggie. I worked Cat Stevens once before he converted and changed his name and ‘offended’ a lot of people by doing so. I found him to be soft spoken and easy to talk to.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Wow, I would have loved such an opportunity. I think he is a gentle soul who made some mistakes along the way, but his generosity and charity in later years has been awe inspiring. His voice is still so beautiful.

      Liked by 1 person

  9. Wonderful song. I like pretty much anything he sings – just something about his voice. What a nice memory you have (except for the being sick part) of your friend singing to you. 🙂

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  15. I always considered myself a Cat Stevens fan, but don’t recall this song. Thank you for sharing it! What a sweet memory. I feel gratitude for Denny being there for you.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I am glad you enjoyed the song. I am a sucker for a simple lyric and a sweet guitar. Denny was a good friend. I hope life has been kind to him.

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  16. That story was just wonderful. Have you ever done a search to find Denny and just tell him how much that song, while in the hospital, meant to you? I’ll bet it would mean alot for him to know . As we get older, acts of kindness from so long ago mean alot. I recently had a reminder from 1969!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. No, no searches. I do not even remember his last name. It was just a moment in time that created a lovely memory.

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