About The Song
Released in 1965 on the album The Bee Gees Sing and Play 14 Barry Gibb Songs, “And the Children Laughing” predates the band’s chart-topping success with songs like “To Love Somebody” and “Massachusetts.” This track showcases a different facet of the group, one that grapples with social issues and the disillusionment of a generation witnessing a world seemingly on the brink.
The song opens with a frenetic energy, a reflection of the anxieties swirling around the young Barry Gibb, the song’s writer. He wrestles with a world consumed by negativity, a place where “corruption and moral decay” seem to dominate headlines.
But amidst this darkness, “And the Children Laughing” offers a glimmer of hope. The title, a constant refrain throughout the song, becomes a powerful symbol. The children’s laughter represents innocence and a world untainted by the cynicism that weighs heavily on the narrator.
The lyrics challenge the listener to “open your eyes” and see the beauty that persists despite the negativity. They urge us to listen to the “voices singing, hearts beating”, a reminder of life’s inherent vibrancy.
“And the Children Laughing” doesn’t shy away from social commentary. It criticizes those who preach about the world’s ills yet remain passive, those who “write the songs about it all” but fail to take action. The song questions our obsession with progress, particularly the space race that was captivating the world at that time. The lyrics ask, “And now you want to go to the moon and live there, when you know it’ll only end up the same?”
Ultimately, “And the Children Laughing” is a call for action, a plea for a more compassionate and connected world. The song reminds us that true progress starts with ourselves, with recognizing the simple joys and human connection that exist even in the most troubled times.
So, let’s turn down the volume on the negativity for a moment and listen to the Bee Gees’ message. Perhaps, like the children’s laughter, it can offer a much-needed reminder of the beauty and hope that still reside in the world.