After The Story broke up in 1994 Brooke went solo, first as Jonatha Brooke & The Story and then simply under her own name. Her first album, Plumb (1995) was followed by 10 Cent Wings (1997) and a harder-rocking album, Steady Pull (2001). In February of 2004 she released Back in the Circus, which marked a first collaboration with songwriter Eric Bazilian (from The Hooters), and a few creative covers. Back in the Circus was released in April 2005 in the UK combining tracks from Back in the Circus and Steady Pull.
2007 saw the release of Careful What You Wish For, on which she continued the collaborations, not only with Eric Bazilian, but also JC Chasez, Nick Lachey and Sally Dworsky (to whom she dedicated "Sally" on Back in the Circus). Her 2008 effort, The Works was a sort of collaborative effort with Woody Guthrie, returning to her folk roots by imbuing Guthrie's words with her own musical style, resulting in a whole that is infinitely greater than the sum of its parts.
She's also contributed to soundtracks (e.g. I'll Try and other tracks on Peter Pan: Return to Neverland), and released Emmanuel (a track that she and Kevin Gilbert were working on when he died), and has her own record label Bad Dog (presumably a reference to Dog Dreams).
Visit her website for current tour information.
www.jonathabrooke.com
Genius Or A Fool
Jonatha Brooke Lyrics
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On the company you keep
Comfortable or ill-fitting
Attention that you seek
You never can be too prepared
For praise or ridicule
Two tones or the tennis shoes
Depending on your state of mind, it could go either way for you
You're either standing in the shoes of a genius or a fool
Some days I can toe the line
Some days I just straddle
One foot's talking Einstein
The other's clearly babble
And bigger's never better here
It's all in the finesse
I'm comfortable in hush puppies
Fishnets and a dress
Depending on your state of mind, it could go either way from here
You're either standing in the shoes of a genius or a queer
I really think I've got something
Oh, never mind
How could I have been so foolish
How could I be so blind
Someday I'm breaking from the pack
And bringing up the rear
Depending on your point of view
The winner's never clear
Depending on your state of mind, it could go either way for you
You're either standing in the shoes of a genius or a fool
Depending on your state of mine, it could go either way from here
you're either standing in the shoes of a genius or a queer
In the song "Genius Or A Fool" by Jonatha Brooke, the lyrics discuss the concept of perception and perspective. The song suggests that how we are perceived and the attention we receive depends largely on the company we keep, and it is up to us to decide which set of shoes we are standing in - those of a genius or a fool. The lyrics urge listeners to be prepared for both praise and ridicule, and to find comfort in their own finesse.
The lines "Some days I can toe the line, Some days I just straddle, One foot's talking Einstein, The other's clearly babble" further emphasize the idea that our state of mind can greatly affect how we are perceived. We all have moments where we feel brilliant, and other moments where we feel foolish. Brooke notes that sometimes, it feels like we are caught between the two.
The final verse is particularly poignant, stating that "depending on your point of view, the winner's never clear." Ultimately, the song suggests that the line between genius and foolishness is blurred, and it is up to us to decide how to walk that line.
Line by Line Meaning
It depends on where you're sitting
Your perspective is key to determining whether you are viewed as a genius or a fool.
On the company you keep
The people you associate with can impact the way you are viewed by others.
Comfortable or ill-fitting
Your level of comfort in any given situation can change how others perceive you.
Attention that you seek
How much attention you actively seek can affect your reputation as a genius or a fool.
You never can be too prepared
Being prepared for any scenario is essential to navigating the perception of others.
For praise or ridicule
You must be ready to receive both positive and negative feedback.
Two tones or the tennis shoes
It doesn't matter what type of shoes you wear; your reputation is based on your actions and mindset.
Just trying to be cool
Attempting to appear cool or impressive can affect your reputation in either direction.
Some days I can toe the line
On some days, the balance between appearing a genius or a fool is easier to navigate.
Some days I just straddle
Other days, it can feel like a challenge to strike the right balance.
One foot's talking Einstein
One part of you may appear highly intelligent or knowledgeable.
The other's clearly babble
Another part of you may seem incoherent or foolish.
And bigger's never better here
The perception of others is not always tied to grand gestures or large displays of intellect.
It's all in the finesse
The way you present yourself and your ideas can make all the difference.
I'm comfortable in hush puppies
Being yourself and comfortable in what you wear can influence how others view you.
Fishnets and a dress
Even unconventional choices can be viewed positively if the confidence is there.
I really think I've got something
Feeling confident in your abilities or ideas can lead to positive feedback from others.
Oh, never mind
However, sometimes those ideas or abilities may not be received well.
How could I have been so foolish
A perceived misstep could easily impact how others view you.
How could I be so blind
Mistakes or lapses in judgement can lead to negative feedback.
Someday I'm breaking from the pack
Taking a unique or unconventional approach can set you apart from the crowd.
And bringing up the rear
However, this approach may also be viewed negatively by some.
Depending on your point of view
Perception is subjective and can vary by individual viewer.
The winner's never clear
There is no clear winner or loser when it comes to being viewed as a genius or a fool.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JONATHA BROOKE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind