My Gen X Playlist: The Joke – Brandi Carlile

Well, I can tell you what makes a terrible leader: a lying, narcissistic, bully. I could add more, but shouldn’t that be enough? I think this came to mind because of the upcoming elections. I don’t know how people can support a bully in any shape or form. It’s beyond me.

The only time I’ve ever felt bullied was as an adult. Many years ago I was at a consulting firm and a Vice President decided to make my life hell. It’s one thing to be tough and demanding, but another to be cruel. I was fortunate to be strong enough to endure it. I’ll never forget how he would try to chip away at me. I refused to let him win.

I remember leaving a meeting with the Vice President and a colleague pulled me aside and apologized. “Man, I’m sorry I didn’t jump in to defend you. Nobody should be treated that way.” While I appreciated his concern, I asked him not to jump in the middle. This was my fight to fight. It was better that he stayed clear of the crosshairs.

I later realized that the root of his ire was in his deep insecurity. He was in a position way over his head. It was obvious to everyone, including himself. His instincts were to lash out when his insecurities crept up on him and he felt threatened. I believe karma ultimately wins in the end. It may not seem like it at the time, but with patience, it does.

His last day at the firm was one of my best days. Everyone knows (or knows of) everyone in the industry I work in. I’ve heard through the grapevine he continued his ways and eventually flamed out at every firm he joined. I don’t wish ill will on anyone, but I do believe people create their own circumstances. Bullies beware. Karma can really be a bitch.

Brandi Carlisle’s music isn’t from my youth. I randomly discovered her on Pandora and she’s become one of my favorite artists. When I thought about bullies, The Joke came to mind. It’s a powerful song and I’ve added a few comments from those that it’s touched.

I can’t even express how important a song this is. I wish every teen who has felt rejection could hear this song and every person who has felt prejudice due to class, or any type of social difference. I sure needed this in the 1980s.

– YouTube comment by dishatto

For all of us who have been misfits, bullied or have had our self esteem blown to bits because we are different for any reason, thank you for being our voice. . . This song makes me feel equally empowered and equally moves me to tears. . . Thank you for singing the words that have stirred in my soul.

– YouTube comment from Paulsmuse

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For a complete playlist, please click here.

For the Spotify playlist, please click here.

You're feeling nervous, aren't you, boy?
With your quiet voice and impeccable style
Don't ever let them steal your joy
And your gentle ways, to 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
Trying 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