LAURA (WHAT'S HE GOT THAT I AIN'T GOT) ~ KENNY ROGERS

"Laura (What's He Got That I Ain't Got)" is a song co-written and recorded by American country music singer Leon Ashley. Recorded in 1967 and released on his own Ashley Records label, the song became his only No. 1 single that September. Frankie Laine and Brook Benton took cover versions to the pop and Adult Contemporary charts that year, while Claude King, Marty Robbins and Kenny Rogers charted their own versions on the country charts. The song is told from the perspective of Laura's husband, and depicts a confrontation the two are having regarding an apparently crumbling marriage.In the first verse, the husband has Laura touch, hold and caress various parts of his body, such as his lips, ears, hair and hands. Later, he reminds her of the various things he did for her and gave her during their marriage, such as building a home, and buying fancy items such as satin pillows, dresses and curtains; he also demands that she read their names on their checks, which sit in her handbag.Each refrain calls Laura out, saying he is aware that she is having an affair with another man. The husband demands to know "what's he got that I ain't got," bemoaning the fact that it "must be something I was born without." Just before each refrain, he warns that he has grown angry and gone crazy as a result of this affair and not knowing why she has turned to another man. In the first verse, he warns that "you took an awful chance to be with another man." The warning before the second refrain turns noticeably darker, warning of violence with the lyric "And if there's time before I pull this trigger." It is not known or stated where the barrel of the gun is targeted — either it is at the singer, who is contemplating suicide; or at Laura, as a direct consequence for her infidelity.