Upon releasing their debut full length album, "The Incredible Story of Mr. Birch" (produced and mixed by Kenny Riley), IVES quickly began garnering the adoration and support of fans locally and nationally while performing at southern California's House of Blues, El Rey Theater and more, supporting artists such as Dashboard Confessional, Kevin Devine, and Jars of Clay. Shortly after their debut, IVES hit the road on their first national tour with Eisley which propelled the three-piece into radio's College Music Journal Top 200 chart– quite the chain of events for an unsigned artist like IVES, but their journey doesn't end here. It was only a matter of time before the melodies of IVES graced commercial television on MTV's "Real World" and Oxygen's "Bad Girls Club", as well as being featured on YouTube's "Left 4 Dead - The Movie" with over 4 million views.
Currently, IVES is gearing up to release their sophomore record, projected to release later this year.
The Joker
Ives The Band Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Grab a hand and hold it tight
I've seen what you mean
You're a doll and he's your dream
In the evening light
All the world, it seems alright
But nothings what it seems
For the joker always fools his queen
Oh oh, oh oh, you'll fall in love
This time, you know, right from the start
Though in your soul your bleeding from every part
Please make it home tonight
One wish on star
As you wonder who you are
Try him, is it true
Does his heart beat just for you
Cuz his love and cheap cigars
Draw you close but keep you far
All this sweet perfume
Don't throw your heart in, don't be the fool
Oh oh, oh oh, you'll fall in love
This time, you know, right from the start
Though in your soul your bleeding from every part
Please make it home tonight
Oh oh, oh oh, you'll fall in love
This time, you know, right from the start
Though in your soul your bleeding from every part
Please make it home tonight
The lyrics of "The Joker" by Ives The Band seem to be about the experience of falling in love with someone who may not be entirely trustworthy. The song describes a scenario where a person is drawn to someone who they know is not good for them, represented by the "joker" who always "fools his queen." The lyrics are cautionary, warning the listener not to throw their heart into the situation blindly, no matter how alluring it may seem. The chorus underscores the idea that falling in love can be painful, even as it feels inevitable: "you'll fall in love, this time you know right from the start, though in your soul you're bleeding from every part."
The verses provide more detail and depth to the story, describing the setting and the characters involved. The first verse sets up the scene of the couple dancing in the evening light, and refers to the man as the woman's dream. The second verse brings up the idea of wishing on a star, suggesting a feeling of uncertainty and a desire for confirmation that this love is real. The repeated refrain of "please make it home tonight" adds a sense of urgency and vulnerability to the song.
Overall, "The Joker" is a poignant and relatable exploration of the complex emotions involved in falling in love, and the risks and rewards that come with opening oneself up to another person.
Line by Line Meaning
Two steps to the right
Move in a different direction away from where you were standing before
Grab a hand and hold it tight
Hold someone's hand tightly
I've seen what you mean
I understand what you're trying to say
You're a doll and he's your dream
You're charming and he's the man of your dreams
In the evening light
When the sun sets and it's not completely dark yet
All the world, it seems alright
Everything looks okay, perfect and normal
But nothings what it seems
Things are not always as they appear
For the joker always fools his queen
The person who loves you may not always be sincere, they may be playing games
Oh oh, oh oh, you'll fall in love
You will fall in love
This time, you know, right from the start
You already know who you will fall in love with when you meet them
Though in your soul your bleeding from every part
You are hurting and damaged inside
Please make it home tonight
Take care of yourself and return home safely tonight
One wish on star
Make a wish upon a star
As you wonder who you are
Reflecting on your true self
Try him, is it true
Give him a chance, see if he is genuine
Does his heart beat just for you
Is he truly in love with only you
Cuz his love and cheap cigars
He may show you love, but he also has some bad habits
Draw you close but keep you far
He may seem close to you, but he's also keeping a distance from you
All this sweet perfume
All of the charm and attraction that surrounds him
Don't throw your heart in, don't be the fool
Don't fall in love blindly, be careful and protect yourself
Contributed by Claire A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@riffers
Saw them with Eisley in Philly in October --- incredible band!! Absolutely captivating listening to them play live.
@user-ot6kg5gj8r
this band was ahead of its time. such a great album
@TravisEFong
This was way better than I expected! Awesome :)
@55lincolncapri
You guys are awesome sad I can't see you at camp next year hope to see you guys again :D...know all of them got to laugh and Rappel and worship with them
@TheKrazieAzn
Yeah they are pretty awesome!! they performed gr8 at harvest!!!
@UniverseCorn
damn youre 11 years older now
@diamondcottle5823
I got to meet these guys at a youth conference a few years ago. They are so nice.
@96PrincessZelda
They opened for Dashboard Confessional in February and that's when I saw them. They were actually pretty good :D I really like their style, and this song just makes me melt :D :D
@Scloudinator88
met the guys in a walmart parking lot the other day love thier music true gents cheers!
@julierussell8876
I'm impressed... Liking this very much and will be seeking out more.