(Chambers Twentieth Century Dictionary)
laurel, n. sweet bay tree (Laurus nobilis) used by the ancients for making honorary wreaths.....
laureate adj. crowned with laurel.-n.one crowned with laurel: a poet laureate...

Does this mean these songs describe a 'virgin laureate' ?
Laurel survives the winter weather, to be seen in successsive years. This make the bay tree both 'laurel and hardy!! (Big GROAN)

Nigel