Meaning of "I Should Be Laughing" by Patty Smyth

` "I Should Be Laughing" delves into the complex emotions surrounding heartbreak and nostalgia. The scrapbook symbolizes the memories of the past relationship, with the torn photograph representing the fractured nature of the love that once existed. The narrator grapples with the conflicting feelings of wanting to let go and move forward, but also feeling trapped by the pain and regrets of the past. The repeated chorus highlights the contrast between the expectation of laughter and the reality of tears, capturing the emotional turmoil of trying to find humor and happiness in a situation tainted by sadness and longing. Ultimately, the song conveys the struggles of coming to terms with heartache and the challenges of finding closure in the face of lingering emotions.

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