The Joke

by Brandi Carlile
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Lyrics

You’re feel ing nerv ous, aren’t you, boy,

with your qui et voice

and im pec ca ble (D)style?

Don’t let them ev er steal your joy,

and your gen tle ways

that keep ’em from run ning wild.

They can kick dirt in your face,

(Am)dress you down, and tell you that your place is in the (G)mid dle, when they hate the way you shine.

I see you tug ging on your shirt,

tryin’ to hide in side of it, and hide how much it hurts.

Let ’em laugh

while they can.

Let ’em (G)spin,

let ’em (Gm)scat ter in

the wind.

I have been to the mov ies, I’ve seen how it ends,

and the joke’s

on

them.

You get dis cour aged, don’t you, girl?

It’s your broth er’s world

for a while long er.

We got ta (D)dance with the dev il on a riv er to beat the stream.

Call it “liv ing the dream,”

call it “kick ing the lad (D)der.”

They (D)come to kick dirt in your face, to (Am)call you weak and then dis place you, af ter (G)car ry ing your ba by on your back a cross the des ert.

I saw your eyes be hind your hair,

and you’re look ing tired,

but you don’t look scared.

Let ’em laugh

while they can.

Let ’em (G)spin,

let ’em (Gm)scat ter in

the wind.

I have been to the mov ies, I’ve seen how it ends,

and the joke’s

on

them.

Let ’em laugh

while they can.

Let ’em (G)spin,

let ’em (Gm)scat ter in

the wind.

I have been to the mov ies, I’ve seen how it ends,

and the joke’s

on

them.

Let ’em

on

(D)them.

The Joke by Brandi Carlile

4 people have learned this song

Easy piano arrangement in the key of D at 72 BPM. Difficulty: easy. Color-coded notes — no sheet-reading skill required.

About “The Joke

What key is "The Joke" in?
"The Joke" by Brandi Carlile is in the key of D with a tempo of 72 BPM. Difficulty: easy.
Is "The Joke" easy to play on piano?
Yes — this arrangement is rated easy, meaning it uses simple chord patterns and a manageable tempo. Most beginners can play through it in 1-3 practice sessions using our color-coded notes.
Can I play "The Joke" without reading sheet music?
Yes. Our player offers a falling-notes mode (Synthesia-style) and a beginner mode with color-coded keys — both let you play along without reading traditional notation.
What chords are used in "The Joke"?
This arrangement of "The Joke" uses 8 chords: Am, Am7, D, Dsus2, Dsus4, F#, G, Gm.
How long does it take to learn "The Joke" on piano?
1–3 short practice sessions for the basics; 2–3 weeks to perform confidently with both hands.
What other songs by Brandi Carlile can I play here?
Try "The Story", "PARTY OF ONE". All are available in our player with color-coded notes; pick the one matching your level.

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