Laughing with a Mouth of Blood Lyrics
Just like an amnesiac trying to get my senses back
(Oh, where did they go?)
Laughing with a mouth of blood from a little spill I took
(What are you laughing at?)
See, I'll trade in my plot of land for a plane to anywhere
(Oh, where do you go?)
And I can't see the future but I know it's got big plans for me
(Oh, what does it see?)
[Hook]
All of my old friends aren't so friendly
All of my old haunts are now haunting me
[Verse 2]
Holed up at the Motel Ritz with a televangelist
(Oh, what did he say?)
At the bottom of a swimming pool with all the water out of it
(How'd you get in there?)
I'm sending consolation prizes to my next of kin, allies
(Oh, they'll be so thrilled)
And I can't see the future but I know it's watching me
(Wonder what it sees?)
[Hook]
All of my old friends aren't so friendly
All of my old haunts are now haunting me
Tell my sister that I miss her
Tell my brother that it gets much easier
Tell my sister that I miss her
Tell my brother that it gets much easier
[Hook]
All of my old friends aren't so friendly
And all of my old haunts are now haunting me
All of my old friends aren't so friendly
And all of my old haunts are now haunting me
About
The second single released after “Actor Out Of Work", "Laughing With A Mouth Of Blood” contrasts the pain of the past with the uncertainty of the future in a gentle but haunting melody. The desperation found in between these two ideas is what becomes central to the song.
The official music video featured Carrie Brownstein and Fred Armisen as their Portlandia characters from the ‘Women and Women First’ Bookstore.
Q&A
Find answers to frequently asked questions about the song and explore its deeper meaning
“Laughing with a Mouth of Blood” is the story of a young person going to Los Angeles, living in a motel, sending letters back home that say ‘everything is going well, I’m doing great out here’ but the reality is that they’re just watching televangelists on TV, and finding themselves in more and more desperate situations. I think desperation is a big part of the record.
– via an interview with About.com