Meaning of "Laughing" by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young

The lyrics of "Laughing" by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young capture the feeling of disillusionment and disappointment that often accompanies seeking deeper understanding and truth in the world. The speaker's encounters with various individuals represent the constant search for meaning and guidance, only to come up short each time. The idea of mistaking reflections for light and a child's laughter for wisdom speaks to the fleeting nature of enlightenment and the challenges of finding true clarity amidst confusion. The repetitive pattern of misunderstanding suggests that perhaps the truth the speaker seeks is elusive and can only be found within oneself, rather than through external sources. The contrast between darkness and light, adult knowledge and childlike innocence, adds layers to the exploration of perception and reality in the pursuit of knowledge and truth.