The Joke (Live from Radio City Music Hall)

[Verse 1]
Feeling nervous, aren't you, boy?
With your quiet voice and your impeccable style
Don't ever let them steal your joy
Or your gentle ways, to keep them 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

[Chorus]
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

[Verse 2]
You get discouraged, don't you, girl?
It's your brother's world for a while longer
You 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
Dress you down 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

[Chorus]
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