John Mellencamp Between a Laugh and a Tear lyrics

When paradise is no longer fit for you to live in
Your adolescent dreams are gone
Through the days you feel a little used up
And you don't know where your energy's gone wrong

Just your soul feelin' a little downhearted
Sometimes life is too ridiculous to live
You count your friends all on one finger
I know it sounds crazy just the way that we live

Between a laugh and a tear
Smile in the mirror as you walk by
Between a laugh and a tear
And that's as good as it can get for us
And there ain't no reason to stop tryin'

When this cardboard town can no longer amuse you
You see through everything, nothin' seems worthwhile
And hypocrite used to be such a big word to you
And it don't seem to mean anything to you now


Just try to live each and every precious moment
Discouraged by the future forget the past
That's old advise but it'll be good to you
I know there's a balance, I see it when I swing past

Between a laugh and a tear
Smile in the mirror as you walk by
Between a laugh and a tear
And that's as good as it can get for us
And there ain't no reason to stop tryin'

Between a laugh and a tear
Smile in the mirror as you walk by
Between a laugh and a tear
And that's as good as it can get for us
And there ain't no reason to stop tryin', no

When paradise can no longer amuse you, yeah yeah