)[1][2][3] The album title can be found in a line from the song "Here Comes Sunshine": "Wake of the flood / laughing water / '49 / Get out the pans / don't just stand there dreaming / get out the way / get out the way".

[4] Lyricist Robert Hunter's notes read: "Remembering the great Vanport, Washington, flood of 1949, living in other people's homes, a family abandoned by father; second grade.

"[7] A reviewer for CMJ New Music Report commented: "given that the players are consummate professionals, and the Dead's own reputation for experimentation and improvisation, it's a match made in heaven.

"[8] In an article for All About Jazz, Glenn Astarita wrote: "Fine production, audiophile sound quality, clever arrangements and sagacious ensemble work make Laughing Water a laudable effort.

"[5] In separate AAJ reviews, Paula Edelstein praised the group's "flawless musicianship and wicked jazz-rock fusion,"[9] while Ed Kopp noted that Laughing Water "manages to capture the rock 'n roll animus of the original.