The Joke piano leadsheet with chords

You're feeling nervous, aren't you, boy,

with your quiet voice

and impeccable style?

Don't let them ever steal your joy,

and your gentle ways that 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,

tryin' 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.

Let 'em on

them.