Brandi Carlile - The Joke (Official Video)

Directed by Danny Clinch
Produced by Lindha Narvaez for MILKT
Choreography by Peter Leung
Ballet sequence filmed by Middle Table Productions
Ballerina is Michaela DePrince

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Lyrics:
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, ooh, ooh
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh

Joe Bell Trailer song
Joe Bell movie song

[MrChapisimo]

A few days ago I turned 44 years old and today I listen to this song for the very first time, and I couldn’t stop crying while I was on the train to my house... I’m latino, inmigrant, gay and old... many times I have felt invisible in a city with millions of people around me, but tonight I saw myself in your song.

Maybe you never read this but today you made me feel human again for 4:58 minutes...

Thank you Brandi... ♥️

[MarianneMurdock]

Heartbroken... So glad that we have this piece of art. Rest in Power, Peace, and Beauty, Mabinty.

[emilydonat]

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.

[johnpetry]

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.

[notsuredc]

This song is more criminally underrated than I thought 😳 thanks Benny and AGT for the introduction wow it’s beautiful 😭

[michellel]

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!!

[callenwade]

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

[vespers]

Rest with the angels precious Michaela-your beauty remains with us💔

[bobhess]

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

[TM-yniu]

I'm 68, old white guy...in TX, ....this is probably one of the greatest stories of believe. Survived a bit so much, but so many others as well. I learned a long time ago, it's the day I live in today, without going after those....the jokes on them...wish those who've struggled and are struggling peace...keep moving..forward.
.it will come. I cannot imagine the challenges that so many people have overcome, living positive even after.

[kaelahpoulos]

You will be missed, Michaela Mabinty DePrince. ❤

[lillianwheeler]

This is one of the GREATEST songs ever

[sandyseward]

As far as as I'm concerned Brandi is the most talented female singer/song writers of her generation! I'm so glad I found her music! ❤
Oh! And I'm 65!

[blackjakko]

The way her voice breaks is so thrilling. It pierces through everything through all the bs and trauma and baggage and pokes right into your heart. I wish I heard her more on the radio, theres so much junk getting airtime instead of great artists.

[augustasante]

Is any body here in 2024...it’s 1:5am here in Ghana and I can’t get over this beautiful Mater piece

[dishatto]

I can’t even express how important a song this is. I wish every teen who has felt rejection could hear this song and every person who has felt prejudice due to class, or any type of social difference. I sure needed this in the 1980s.

[tiffanyfranks]

In tears just heard this song today and it’s just what I needed to hear. My parents put me though 33 years of hell. I never lived up to their expectations, it’s been 5 years now that we have spoken. I’m happily married to a wonderful man, three kids, who could ask for more ❤️
Thank you Brandi!

[screenattractions]

heard this first at AGT 2019.. such a beautiful song.

[jackkissir]

Brandi Carlile! OMG what insight what feeling. This came from the Universe. The tears won't stop flowing and I am 78 years old. Thank you for this song. 🌹🌹

[jrod]

Just watched her live on the Grammys. I had chills the entire time. The woman is absolutely incredible, unique, and powerful with her voice.