Song Details
- Album Release Date: 1933
- Album Name: Lady Day: The Complete Billie Holiday On Columbia (1933-1944)
Song Meaning (Interpretation) of “The Moon Looks Down and Laughs – Take 2” by Billie Holiday
The Moon Looks Down and Laughs is a song by Billie Holiday released in 1933. The song speaks of the pain and difficulty of love, depression, and sorrow. The moon watches on while people below suffer, laughing at their misfortune. In the song, the moon is a symbol of an impartial observer in the protagonist’s life, whose laughter is an indication of how powerless the protagonist is in their life. The narrator is filled with a sense of loneliness and longing for a true and enduring love. Despite being aware of the moon’s mockery, they still hope for better days as they continue to search for companionship. The mood of the song highlights the difficulty of life, while still leaving room for the possibility of finding solace. The Moon Looks Down and Laughs serves as a poignant reminder of the strength of resilience in times of great sorrow and difficulty.