Song: The Joke · Brandi Carlile New

You’re feeling nervous, aren’t you, boy?
With your quiet voice and impeccable style
Don’t ever let them steal your joy
And your gentle ways, to keep ’em from running wild
They can kick dirt in your face
Dress you down, and tell you that your place
Is in the middle, when they hate the way you shine
I see you tugging on your shirt
Trying to hide inside of it and hide how much it hurts

Let ’em laugh while they can
Let ’em spin, let ’em scatter in the wind
I have been to the movies, I’ve seen how it ends
And the joke’s on them

You get discouraged, don’t you, girl?
It’s your brother’s world for a while longer
We gotta dance with the devil on a river
To beat the stream
Call it living the dream, call it kicking the ladder
They come to kick dirt in your face
To call you weak and then displace you
After carrying your baby on your back across the desert
I saw your eyes behind your hair
And you’re looking tired, but you don’t look scared

Let ’em laugh while they can
Let ’em spin, let ’em scatter in the wind
I have been to the movies, I’ve seen how it ends
And the joke’s on them

Let ’em laugh while they can
Let ’em spin, let ’em scatter in the wind
I have been to the movies, I’ve seen how it ends
And the joke’s on them
Ooh, ooh

“An anthem to inclusion and acceptance. A middle finger to bullies and haters. What an amazing, haunting, powerful song and video.”

“Whoever you are, wherever you are…celebrate yourself. Never give up. Never.”

“I’m a School Counselor and used this video as part of a Social Emotional Lesson for Middle School this morning. Tough crowd. This video is absolutely disarming and powerful. It has a great representation of ages and cultures/skin tones that is inclusive and reaches the empathy even Middle Schoolers can access.”

“I am a therapist. I can’t tell you how many times I have shared this song and video with clients. It is beautiful.”

“I can’t believe I’ve wasted so much time not hearing her voice. What a gift she is. A storyteller and a musician. I’ve found my new favorite artist!!”

“Someone shared this song with me not an hour ago. It had a great impact on me. I’m a 70-mumble-year-old gay man who grew up in a small town. Let’s just say that high school was not a fun time. But to those of you out there who might be struggling with how people behave towards you, know that this will pass. The mess they try to pass to you – you can reject that. You are not defined by the foolishness of others. You are not limited by their views of who you are. Reach out for your dreams and enjoy your own life on your terms. That is the greatest revenge you can have – to reach your own goals and leave the haters in the dust.”