Laura Nyro was a legendary singer-songwriter who left an indelible mark on the world of music. Her unique blend of jazz, R&B, and soulful ballads, combined with her powerful vocals and poignant lyrics, made her a force to be reckoned with in the music industry. Nyro’s influence can still be felt today, with many artists citing her as a major inspiration. In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the best Laura Nyro songs and explore what makes them so special.
Nyro began writing songs at a young age and quickly gained recognition for her exceptional talent. Her music was deeply personal and often dealt with themes of love, loss, and social justice. Some of her most iconic songs include “Stoned Soul Picnic,” “Wedding Bell Blues,” “And When I Die,” and “Eli’s Comin’.” These songs, along with many others, helped establish Nyro as a groundbreaking artist who was unafraid to speak her mind and push the boundaries of what was expected from female musicians.
Through her music, Nyro left a lasting legacy that continues to inspire and influence musicians today. In this article, we will delve into some of her greatest songs and explore what makes them so timeless and beloved by fans around the world. Whether you are a long-time Nyro fan or a newcomer to her music, this article is sure to deepen your appreciation for this remarkable artist and her unforgettable music.
1. Stoney End
“Stoney End” is a powerful and soulful song by Laura Nyro that captures the essence of a journey towards self-discovery and overcoming obstacles. The song is driven by a captivating melody and Nyro’s emotive vocals, which build to a soaring chorus that is both empowering and moving. The lyrics speak of a struggle to break free from the constraints of the past and find a new way forward, with lines like “I was born from love and my poor mother worked the mines” conveying a sense of struggle and perseverance. The chorus, which repeats the phrase “I’m on the outside looking in,” creates a powerful sense of longing and yearning that is both poignant and relatable. Overall, “Stoney End” is a beautifully crafted song that speaks to the human experience of overcoming challenges and finding a path forward, and its enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless message of hope and resilience.
2. Poverty Train
“Poverty Train” is a powerful and socially conscious song by Laura Nyro that addresses the issue of poverty and inequality in America. The song features a driving rhythm and a powerful vocal performance by Nyro, who delivers the lyrics with a sense of urgency and passion. The lyrics speak of the struggles faced by those living in poverty, with lines like “People starving and their hands are empty, children cry for help to no avail” painting a stark picture of the human toll of poverty. Nyro also takes aim at the political and economic systems that perpetuate inequality, with lines like “Fools and thieves are well respected, educated in the ways of winning” highlighting the structural barriers that prevent many from achieving economic and social mobility. Overall, “Poverty Train” is a powerful and evocative song that speaks to the ongoing struggle for social justice and economic equality, and its message is as relevant today as it was when it was first released.
3. The Confession
“The Confession” is a hauntingly beautiful song by Laura Nyro that speaks to the complexity of human relationships and the emotional toll of secrets and betrayals. The song is driven by a gentle piano melody and Nyro’s tender vocal performance, which imbues the lyrics with a sense of vulnerability and intimacy. The lyrics speak of a confession of love that has gone unspoken, with lines like “I’m just gonna lay it down, right here at your feet” conveying a sense of longing and fear of rejection. The chorus, which features the repeated phrase “I love you more than words can say,” creates a powerful sense of emotional resonance that is both deeply moving and relatable. Overall, “The Confession” is a beautifully crafted song that captures the raw emotions of love and the weight of unspoken secrets and betrayals, and its enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless message of love and honesty.
4. Stoned Soul Picnic
“Stoned Soul Picnic” is a classic and iconic song by Laura Nyro that captures the carefree spirit and playful energy of the 1960s. The song features a lively and upbeat melody, with Nyro’s soulful vocals and the infectious horn section creating a sense of joy and celebration. The lyrics speak of a gathering of friends for a picnic, with lines like “Can you surry, can you picnic?” creating a sense of whimsy and fun. The chorus, with its repeated refrain of “Everything’s cool, everything’s fine,” captures the carefree and optimistic spirit of the era, while the clever wordplay and use of slang add a touch of humor and playfulness to the song. Overall, “Stoned Soul Picnic” is a fun and infectious song that perfectly captures the spirit of the 1960s and the sense of community and camaraderie that defined the era. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal and its ability to transport listeners to a simpler and more carefree time.
5. Captain Saint Lucifer
“Captain Saint Lucifer” is a haunting and evocative song by Laura Nyro that explores the darker side of human nature and the struggle for redemption. The song features a slow and melancholic melody, with Nyro’s haunting vocals and the sparse instrumentation creating a sense of melancholy and introspection. The lyrics speak of a fallen angel, with lines like “Captain Saint Lucifer, you fell from grace” conveying a sense of loss and regret. The chorus, which features the repeated phrase “Don’t you want to go back?,” creates a powerful sense of longing and yearning for redemption, while the use of biblical imagery adds a sense of mythic grandeur to the song. Overall, “Captain Saint Lucifer” is a deeply introspective and emotionally resonant song that speaks to the human experience of struggle and redemption. Its haunting melody and evocative lyrics have made it a favorite of Nyro fans and a testament to her ability to capture the complexities of the human spirit in her music.
6. Up on the Roof
“Up on the Roof” is a classic and timeless song by Laura Nyro that speaks to the power of finding solace and escape in the simple pleasures of life. The song features a gentle and soothing melody, with Nyro’s soulful vocals and the gentle strumming of the guitar creating a sense of warmth and comfort. The lyrics speak of the joy of escaping to the rooftop for a moment of peace and reflection, with lines like “Up on the roof, it’s peaceful as can be, and there the world below can’t bother me” conveying a sense of tranquility and calm. The chorus, with its repeated refrain of “Up on the roof,” creates a powerful sense of escape and freedom, while the use of imagery adds a sense of romanticism and nostalgia to the song. Overall, “Up on the Roof” is a beautifully crafted song that speaks to the human desire for escape and the power of finding solace in simple pleasures. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal and its ability to transport listeners to a place of peace and tranquility.
7. Smile – with Mars at the End
“Smile” is a beautiful and introspective song by Laura Nyro that speaks to the power of love and the importance of finding joy and hope even in the face of adversity. The song features a gentle and melodic piano-driven arrangement, with Nyro’s tender and emotive vocals creating a sense of vulnerability and intimacy. The lyrics speak of the struggles of life, with lines like “Smile, though your heart is aching, even though it’s breaking” conveying a sense of perseverance and determination. The chorus, with its repeated refrain of “Smile, what’s the use of crying? You’ll find that life is still worthwhile,” creates a powerful sense of optimism and hope, while the use of uplifting harmonies and soaring strings adds a sense of grandeur and beauty to the song. Overall, “Smile” is a timeless and inspiring song that celebrates the power of love, hope, and the human spirit. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its ability to speak to the universal experiences of joy and sorrow, and to remind us all of the importance of finding beauty and hope in the world around us.
8. Mother’s Spiritual
“Mother’s Spiritual” is a powerful and soul-stirring song by Laura Nyro that speaks to the beauty and strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity. The song features a slow and mournful melody, with Nyro’s tender vocals and the subtle use of piano and strings creating a sense of intimacy and vulnerability. The lyrics speak of a mother’s love and sacrifice, with lines like “Mother’s spiritual, her heart is pure gold” conveying a sense of reverence and admiration for the strength and resilience of mothers everywhere. The chorus, which features the repeated phrase “Sing a song for the mother,” creates a powerful sense of community and connection, while the use of gospel-inspired harmonies and handclaps adds a sense of joy and celebration to the song. Overall, “Mother’s Spiritual” is a deeply emotional and uplifting song that celebrates the beauty and strength of the human spirit. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless message of love, sacrifice, and the power of community.
9. A Woman Of The World
“A Woman of the World” is a powerful and empowering song by Laura Nyro that celebrates the strength, independence, and resilience of women everywhere. The song features a driving and upbeat arrangement, with Nyro’s powerful vocals and the energetic rhythm section creating a sense of confidence and determination. The lyrics speak of a woman who has faced challenges and adversity, with lines like “She’s been knocked down, dragged around, battered and shattered, she’s been the victim of a thousand wrongs” conveying a sense of the struggles that women face. However, the chorus, which features the repeated phrase “A woman of the world,” celebrates the strength, beauty, and resilience of women everywhere, while the use of bold brass and funk-inspired guitar adds a sense of joy and celebration to the song. Overall, “A Woman of the World” is a stirring and empowering song that celebrates the power of women and the importance of standing up for oneself. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless message of strength, resilience, and empowerment.
10. Walk The Dog & Light The Light (Song Of The Road)
“Walk the Dog & Light the Light (Song of the Road)” is a beautifully introspective song by Laura Nyro that speaks to the journey of life and the importance of finding meaning and purpose along the way. The song features a gentle and melancholic melody, with Nyro’s tender vocals and the subtle use of piano and strings creating a sense of intimacy and introspection. The lyrics speak of the journey of life, with lines like “Walk the dog, light the light, I’m home tonight, with a heart that’s heavy and a soul that’s light” conveying a sense of the bittersweetness of the journey. The chorus, which features the repeated phrase “Song of the road,” creates a powerful sense of continuity and connection, while the use of dreamy harmonies and ethereal instrumentation adds a sense of otherworldliness to the song. Overall, “Walk the Dog & Light the Light (Song of the Road)” is a poignant and reflective song that celebrates the beauty and complexity of the human journey. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless message of hope, meaning, and the power of the journey itself.
April Johnson is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
