Celebrate the Heart of Country, Americana, and Roots Music!

Drop Us A Line, Y'all

Y'all interested in advertising, partnering up, contributing stories, joining our team, or just got a question? Well, don't be shy, drop us a line!

Follow Us

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

Brandi Carlile's "The Joke"
by
  • Arden is a Senior Country Music Journalist for Country Thang Daily, specializing in classic hits and contemporary chart-toppers.
  • Prior to joining Country Thang Daily, Arden wrote for Billboard and People magazine, covering country music legends and emerging artists.
  • Arden holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Tennessee, with a minor in Music Studies.

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.’ 

RELATED: Brandi Carlile and wife Catherine Shepherd Love Story

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.

Latest Stories

Dolly Parton made a heartfelt promise to her late husband, Carl Dean, in his final moments, honoring their nearly 59-year love story.

Dolly Parton Made Her Late Husband a Solemn Promise Before He Passed

Dolly Parton and Carl Dean shared a love story that was as private as it was enduring. Married for nearly 59 years, they built a life away from the spotlight, ...

T. Graham Brown finally receives his long-overdue Grand Ole Opry invitation after 300+ performances, marking a well-deserved milestone in his career.

T. Graham Brown Finally Gets His Grand Ole Opry Invitation After Decades of Dedication

Some honors in country music come quickly, and others take their sweet time. In T. Graham Brown’s case, the Grand Ole Opry membership invitation took longer than it should have. ...

Morgan Wallen finally acknowledges his CMA Entertainer of the Year win—four months later—by casually burying the trophy in an Instagram photo dump.

Morgan Wallen Finally Breaks His Silence On His CMA EOTY Award Four Months Later

Morgan Wallen has never been one to follow the industry’s script. So when he finally acknowledged his CMA Entertainer of the Year win—four months after the fact—it wasn’t with an ...

Kip Moore calls for country award shows to spotlight true country artists like Cody Johnson and Whiskey Myers instead of chasing pop collaborations.

Kip Moore’s Take on Fixing Country Music Awards Shows

Kip Moore has never held back his opinions, especially when it comes to country music staying true to its roots. While some artists might sidestep the conversation, Moore isn’t afraid ...

Dolly Parton wrote seven heartfelt songs for Carl Dean, capturing their nearly 60-year love story, from devotion to a final farewell.

The Seven Songs Dolly Parton Wrote For Carl Dean And The Stories Behind Them

Dolly Parton and Carl Dean shared a love story that spanned nearly six decades—a rare feat in the music industry, where fame often takes its toll on relationships. Though Carl ...

Terry Stafford first recorded Amarillo by Morning in 1973 before Chris LeDoux and George Strait turned it into a country classic.

Who Really Sang Amarillo By Morning First? The Story Behind A Country Classic

Few songs in country music are as instantly recognizable as “Amarillo by Morning.” With its lonesome fiddle and wistful lyrics about a rodeo cowboy’s struggles, the song has become one ...

Zach Top honors George Strait at RodeoHouston with a powerful Amarillo by Morning performance, proving traditional country music is alive and well.

Zach Top Honors George Strait with Amarillo by Morning at RodeoHouston

Zach Top had a full house at RodeoHouston hanging on every note as he delivered a stirring rendition of “Amarillo by Morning”—the first song he ever learned to play on ...

Brad Paisley and wife Kimberly Williams-Paisley share two sons, William 'Huck' and Jasper Warren, raising them with love and adventure.

Meet Brad Paisley’s Two Sons, William “Huck” And Jasper Warren

Brad Paisley has spent decades entertaining country music fans with his heartfelt lyrics, signature guitar skills, and playful humor. But behind the scenes, the Grammy-winning singer has another, even more ...

Luke Bryan reveals he passed on Sand in My Boots, which became a huge hit for Morgan Wallen, reflecting on missed opportunities in country music.

Luke Bryan Reveals The Song He Passed On That Became A Huge Hit For Morgan Wallen

Luke Bryan has spent the last two decades cementing his place as one of country music’s most successful artists. With 30 No. 1 hits, sold-out tours, and millions of fans, ...

Carl Dean warned Dolly Parton not to cover Stairway to Heaven, but she followed her instincts and recorded it anyway, making it her own.

The Song Carl Dean Warned Dolly Parton Not to Sing and Why She Did It Anyway

Dolly Parton has always trusted her instincts. Whether she turned down Elvis Presley’s request to record “I Will Always Love You,” built her own empire with Dollywood, or jumped into ...