With guitar in hand, Craig can turn any setting into an intimate affair, infusing his music and lyrics with an uncompromising humanism rarely seen in today's production-heavy climate.
Craig makes it a point to keep the relationship with his fans personal, inviting and accepting any opportunity to make his audience as much a part of the performance as he is. Don't be surprised if one day you find yourself enjoying one of Craig's renowned shows in the comfort of your own living room.
In 2012, Cardiff was nominated for a Juno Award for Roots and Traditional Album of the Year: Solo, and for a Canadian Folk Music Award as Contemporary Singer of the Year.
For more information, tour dates, and music, please visit the official Craig Cardiff site.
Partick Artists
Craig Cardiff's Bandcamp page
Jokes
Craig Cardiff Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You're just a joke until somebody cares
But you're anachronism rhymes
You're a clock without a time
You're a story that ain't going no where
And legion dances and black coffee
Warm nights that never end
There's anachronism rhymes
You're a clock without a time
You're a story that seems without an end
Everything you do, I do it for you
I'd do it, I'd do it for
I'd do it for
for you
You're just a joke until somebody loves you
You're just a joke until somebody cares
You're anachronism rhymes
You're a clock without a time
You're a story that's going no where
Craig Cardiff's song Jokes is a deep, contemplative piece that discusses the nature of humanity and the value that we place on love and care. The opening lines of the song - "You're just a joke until somebody loves you / You're just a joke until somebody cares" - reveal that the songwriter believes that people are only truly valued in society when they are loved and cared for by others. Without those things, our lives have no meaning or worth, and we are simply objects of ridicule to the people around us.
The following lines of the song paint a picture of a person who is lost and directionless - "You're a clock without a time / You're a story that ain't going no where". This person's life is like a clock that has stopped ticking, or a story that has no clear plot or ending. They are adrift in a sea of uncertainty, with no clear purpose or direction. Despite this, there is still a sense of beauty and wonder to be found in life - "Legion dances and black coffee / Warm nights that never end". Even in our darkest moments, there are still small pleasures to be savored.
Ultimately, the song's message is one of hope - "Everything you do, I do it for you / I'd do it, I'd do it for / I'd do it for / for you". Even when someone feels lost and adrift, they can still find meaning and purpose in their relationships with others. By loving and caring for one another, we can give each other the support we need to continue on our journey, no matter how lost or uncertain we may feel.
Line by Line Meaning
You're just a joke until somebody loves you
Your worth is not recognized until someone shows you love and appreciation.
You're just a joke until somebody cares
You are not taken seriously until you receive someone's care and concern.
But you're anachronism rhymes
Your outdated ideas and beliefs are reflected in your style of expression.
You're a clock without a time
You are pointless and have no function or purpose.
You're a story that ain't going no where
Your life seems meaningless, with no direction or goal.
And legion dances and black coffee
Your experiences, quite possibly reflecting a mundane and unremarkable existence.
Warm nights that never end
Memories of times that seem distant and unreachable, possibly reflecting a past event or personal desire.
There's anachronism rhymes
This idea of outdated beliefs and style of expression continues to permeate throughout.
You're a story that seems without an end
Your life feels incomplete and never-ending, with a lack of resolution to any conflict or struggle.
Everything you do, I do it for you
This line possibly reflects an intense devotion, possibly to a romantic partner, with a desire to please and satisfy them at any cost.
I'd do it, I'd do it for
An intense emotional connection and drive to serve another person or cause.
I'd do it for
A strong desire to give to another person or purpose, without any expectation of receiving anything in return.
for you
This idea of devotion is tied to the person or cause in mind, possibly revealing a deep love or sense of purpose in life.
Contributed by Owen I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.