Christopher Cross – Think Of Laura 1983

About the song

“Think of Laura” is a poignant and heartfelt song by the American Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Christopher Cross. Released in late 1983 as a single from his second studio album, “Another Page,” the song reached number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in early 1984, marking Cross’s fourth and final Top 10 hit. It also became his third single to hit number 1 on the Adult Contemporary chart, where it remained for four weeks, solidifying its impact on listeners.

Christopher Cross, known for his smooth vocals and emotive songwriting, wrote “Think of Laura” in memory of Laura Carter, a Denison University student from Wayne, Pennsylvania. Laura tragically lost her life when she was struck by a stray bullet during gang-related gunfire in Columbus, Ohio. At the time, she was sitting in the back seat of her father’s car, having just finished watching a lacrosse match with her family during homecoming weekend.

Cross had a personal connection to Laura Carter through her college roommate, Paige McNinch, whom he was dating at the time. McNinch is pictured on the inner sleeve of the “Another Page” album, sitting on a stool, symbolizing the intimate bond and shared grief that inspired the song. Cross wrote “Think of Laura” to offer comfort to McNinch and to honor Carter’s memory, transforming his sorrow into a touching tribute.

The arrangement of “Think of Laura” is relatively simple, featuring Cross’s tender vocals and a piano accompaniment that enhances the emotional weight of the lyrics. The song’s message is clear: while mourning the loss of Laura, those who knew her are encouraged to remember her with joy and laughter, reflecting her spirit and the way she would have wanted to be remembered. The lyrics, “When you think of Laura, laugh, don’t cry / I know she’d want it that way,” encapsulate this sentiment beautifully.

“Think of Laura” not only resonated with fans for its melodic appeal but also for its touching backstory. It spent eleven weeks in the Top 40 and remains Christopher Cross’s final top 40 hit, a testament to its lasting impact. The song’s universal theme of cherishing the memory of loved ones has touched many hearts, ensuring its place in the annals of heartfelt ballads.

Laura Carter’s tragic death had a profound effect on those who knew her, and through “Think of Laura,” Christopher Cross provided a musical means to celebrate her life and legacy. Her shooter, Gordon Newlin, served time for the incident and was released on parole in 2012, a reminder of the enduring repercussions of that fateful day.

“Think of Laura” continues to be a powerful reminder of how music can serve as a vessel for healing and remembrance. For older and educated listeners, the song offers a reflective and comforting experience, embodying the essence of love, loss, and the enduring impact of cherished memories.

Video

Lyrics

Hey Laura, Laura
Hey Laura, Laura

Every once in a while
I’d see her smile
And she’d turn my day around
A girl with those eyes could stare through the lies
And see what your heart was saying

Think of Laura
But laugh don’t cry
I know she’d want it that way
When you think of Laura
Laugh don’t cry
I know she’d want it that way

A friend of a friend
A friend ’til the end
That’s the kind of girl she was
Taken away so young
Taken away without a warning

Think of Laura
But laugh don’t cry
I know she’d want it that way
When you think of Laura
Laugh don’t cry
I know she’d want it that way

I know you and you’re here
In every day we live
I know her and well, she’s here
I can feel her when I sing

Hey Laura, where are you now?
Are you far away from here?
I don’t think so
I think you’re here taking our tears away

Think of Laura
But laugh don’t cry
I know she’d want it that way
When you think of Laura
Laugh don’t cry
I know she’d want it that way