President Obama named our next guest's hit song one
of his favorites of the year.
Here to perform "The Joke," please welcome Brandi Carlile.
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 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've seen you tugging on your shirt trying
to hide inside of it and hide how much it hurts.
You let them laugh while they can.
Let them spin.
Let them 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 is your brother's world for a while longer.
You've got to dance with the devil
on a river to beat the stream.
Come and live in 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 you hair.
And you're looking tired, but you don't look scared.
You let them laugh while they can.
Let them spin.
Let them scatter in the wind.
I have been to the movies.
I've seen how it ends, and the joke's on them.
Yeah!
You let them laugh while they can.
Let them spin.
Let them scatter in the wind.
I have been to the movies.
I've seen how it ends, and the joke's on--
and the joke's on them.
Yeah, it is.
And you know it is.
Thank you so much.
Thank you.
Welcome.
Thank you, Ellen.
Welcome.
Thank you so much.
The name of the CD is, "By the Way, I Forgive You."
Everyone in the audience, you're going home with a copy.
We'll be back.