Everyone Fits In This World in Brandi Carlile’s “The Joke”

Brandi Carlile’s “The Joke” efficiently mirrors the society in this century. The song is brimming with a powerful political message rooting for society’s marginalized. Co-written and produced by Dave Cobb, this inspirational release sets forth as an anthem to the unfortunates and oppressed. 

“The Joke,” the first single to be released from the album, By The Way, embodies the record’s huge ambition. Cobb urged Brandi Carlile to be vocally bold on this song. According to the singer, Cobb really likes Presley’s ‘An American Trilogy’ and needed her to grasp the emotion and power of the song when they were working on ‘The Joke.’ 

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She wrote “The Joke” as a protest song that calls into question the social and political upheaval widespread in America during the 2016 presidential election, and Donald Trump became the 45th President of the United States. But this isn’t an anti-Trump song. 

It’s a song with a statement and a very powerful message. A message about making strides and about the situation of the down-and-outs in this society. Many people in America consider themselves as unloved and unrepresented – economic migrants, outlanders, castaways – and also about gender dysphoria and the view of the society and lack of acknowledgment and support. The song pushes those underdogs to move forward, for better days will certainly appear sooner or later. 

It’s one of Brandi Carlile’s songs that people who prefer classic music will love– and people who admire exceptional songwriting, and people who adore great musicians. 

“The Joke” by Brandi Carlile premiered at #1 on the Billboard Rock Digital Song Sales chart on Feb.23, 2019. The single also peaked at #4 on US Bubbling Under Hot 100, US Adult Alternative Songs, and US Hot Rock & Alternative Songs. Carlile was nominated for four Grammy Awards at the 61st Annual Grammy Awards in 2019, winning two for the song, “The Joker” –  Best Americana Roots Performance and Best Americana Roots. 

You may check the video of Brandi Carlile’s “The Joke” to fully understand what the singer wants to express.