The Joke

Chords4.91,637 votes
15
Original
Lyrics & ChordsClick chords to see diagrams
[Intro]
D Am G D
[Verse 1]
D Am
You're feeling nervous, aren't you, boy?
G D
With your quiet voice and impeccable style
Am
Don't ever let them steal your joy
G D
And your gentle ways, to keep 'em from running wild
They can kick dirt in your face
Am
Dress you down, and tell you that your place
G D
Is in the middle, when they hate the way you shine
Am
I see you tugging on your shirt
G D
Trying to hide inside of it and hide how much it hurts
[Refrain]
D Am
Let 'em laugh while they can
G Gm D
Let 'em spin, let 'em scatter in the wind
F# G
I have been to the movies, I've seen how it ends
Gm D Am G D
And the joke's on them
[Verse 2]
D Am
You get discouraged, don't you, girl?
G D
It's your brother's world for a while longer
D
We gotta dance with the devil on a river
Am
To beat the stream
G D
Call it living the dream, call it kicking the ladder
D
They come to kick dirt in your face
Am
To call you weak and then displace you
G D
After carrying your baby on your back across the desert
Am
I saw your eyes behind your hair
G D
And you're looking tired, but you don't look scared
[Refrain]
D Am
Let 'em laugh while they can
G Gm D
Let 'em spin, let 'em scatter in the wind
F# G
I have been to the movies, I've seen how it ends
Gm D
And the joke's on them
[Interlude]
D Am G D
D Am
Let 'em laugh while they can
G Gm D
Let 'em spin, let 'em scatter in the wind
F# G
I have been to the movies, I've seen how it ends
Gm D Am G Gm
- -
And the joke's on them
[Outro]
D Am G D
D Am G D
D Am G D

The Joke chords and lyrics

Free chords for The Joke by Brandi Carlile. Scroll the interactive sheet above or read the chord names inline below.

[Intro]
D  Am  G  D
[Verse 1]
They can kick dirt in your face
[Refrain]
[Verse 2]
[Refrain]
[Interlude]
D  Am  G  D
[Outro]
D  Am  G  D
D  Am  G  D
D  Am  G  D

The Joke Chords by Brandi Carlile

Learn how to play The Joke by Brandi Carlile with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “The Joke chords”, “The Joke guitar chords”, or “Brandi Carlile The Joke chords” and you will find this page — transpose to any key, tap chords for diagrams, and use auto-scroll while you play. Perfect for beginners looking for easy The Joke chords and for experienced players who want accurate The Joke lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include D, Am, G, Gm, F#.

Frequently asked questions about The Joke

How do I play "The Joke" by Brandi Carlile on guitar?

Open the free chords for "The Joke" by Brandi Carlile on Free Chord Book. Tap any chord to see its diagram, use transpose to change the key, and turn on auto-scroll to play hands-free.

Are the chords for "The Joke" by Brandi Carlile free?

Yes. The chords for "The Joke" by Brandi Carlile are 100% free on Free Chord Book — no sign-up required.

Can I transpose "The Joke" to a different key?

Yes. Use the transpose buttons on the song page to shift "The Joke" up or down by half-steps so it matches your vocal range or capo position.

Can I see chord diagrams for "The Joke"?

Yes. Tap any chord in "The Joke" to instantly see an interactive guitar chord diagram with alternate fingerings.

Is "The Joke" easy to play on guitar?

Many players learn "The Joke" by Brandi Carlile with our free chords. Use transpose and chord diagrams to simplify tricky shapes, and browse related songs by Brandi Carlile below.

What key is "The Joke" in?

The chords for "The Joke" show the original chord names (including D, Am, G, Gm, F#). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.