If folks think it's easy to be this captivating with just a guitar and your voice, just go ahead and try it. Magic like this is rare. This is just pure beauty and tribute.
I think it's easy if you're already able to sing and play. I can't sing, so it would be difficult. Was anyone actually here saying this was easy, or are you inventing people to be mad at?
@@randallf.4646 ... the only time I heard him play live music he was playing bass in XIT. I heard he'll be touring on the mainland this summer. Visit his website.
This is absolutely incredible. It needed to be displayed alone for what is accomplished here is of no small feat. Those clamoring for global representation do not appreciate what this man has done. Very few can reproduce a Dylan tune. Those who have, have become legends in their own right. Much respect John.
not many credible covers of Dylan songs.... The Byrds, Hendrix ... they both eclipsed the original, Dylan himself said "Watchtower" wasnt really a song til Hendrix covered it. Jokerman is poetic gold. He does a credible job here, but doesnt eclipse the original. well done tho.
Still playing this cant leave it alone I have 9 grand children and 2 great children this is the best cover I have ever heard I will pass this amazing piece of music on to my beutiful grand children what did you started Dylan you are a one off and John you must have made him proud man you nailed it.
I listen to this at least once a week. Sometimes more. This is the greatest cover of one of my favorite songs of all time. He’s covering Dylan and he’s covering Knopfler and doing it his own way...AMAZING. John Cruz you are a STAR.
Just last night (2 Aug 24) we saw Jon at the Press Room in Portsmouth, NH. He filled the room with aloha. It was an epic performance. He finished with Jokerman.
This song is good. This song is hard to cover. John Cruz nails both the song and the essence making this a near perfect cover...and one of the best Dylan covers out there. Bravo.
I listen to John's Rendition of this song on a daily basis. The lyrics and the way John presents the song is great. something about the folk music scene that is so refreshing.
The joker man is a woman in his life who isn’t responding emotionally, and he doesn’t know why. Which is sad because of all the complexity of the song, the problem is simple, which makes you think about all the sad complexity of life and it’s simple goals
But.........if i could press that like button a million times...i would...TRUTH MAHALO John ..you are my sunshine lately..Charisma gallore of love.....and Playing for change, Merci beaucoup...Marc Johnson, you are a love genius
All the times I walk past that spot in the park. I can't believe John Cruz was just out there playing. The funny thing is, I would have stopped to listen but not recognized him with short hair. Just another masterpiece for free on youtube. Great time to be alive! Mahalo John.
"Jokerman" is one of Bob Dylan's least known, most beautiful, best written, and most difficult songs to sing. John Cruz’s version is positively superb. Thank you! PS - John looks like the embodiment of Hawaiian tikis.
completely false, "...one of Bob Dylan's least known"...if anything its one of his most well known songs especially among non-Dylan fans or listeners... I like John's voice a lot but don't like this version...seem hes just singing the words as the tempo seems a tad too fast.
@@subg8858 Like many of Dylan's greatest, there's so much going on in each line and the phrasing is absolutely key, and very hard to nail. It is a tricky song to do justice to.
How the way you play n sing this song is a blessing to people who have hear u sing. Your punches in Dylan's caustic wordings hit so hard to the heart n soul. U didn't nailed brother, its yours, thanks.
I love this version. There is a real clarity in it. I can hear all the lyrics, word for word, and that's something that bypassed me in the original, even tho' I knew the song. Appreciated! ❤
Mr. John Cruz, Thank You so very much for Your magical interpatation of this Dylan tune. I have watched and listened to Your performance and have yet to figure out exactly what you have up Your sleeve. Beyond Magicical. Regardless what life may be throwing at me I but this on and nothing else exists. I am so excited to hear more. Again Thank You Sir.
To me, this is probably the strongest lyrics Bob has ever written. This is a fantastic cover of Jokerman. You know, John Cruz reminds me of one of my all time greatest heroes, Rick Danko. He is as soulful as Rick, was.. That's the best compliment I can give a person,I think.. . .
Wow watched this so many times played from the soul you are a credit to anyone that has ever picked up a guitar thank you man for your wonderful music.
The finest song Bob Dylan wrote in the 1980s decade and one of his greatest ever. A crackling version by John Cruz here - already among my all-time favourite Dylan covers. This is why Dylan got the Lit Nobel; no one before him (and not many after him) took or have taken syncopated words to this kind of a place before, in terms of feeling, not meaning.
This is an outstanding work in and of itself. Dylan created it but John brings it to life. I listen to this so often I have lost count. Mahalo John Cruz.
I heard this 15 minutes after it posted. Oh man what a treat! I too, have a crooked smile, and I too am hawaiian, lastly I too, have that tangible sorrow in my eyes....I play this every morning-then I suit up and walk it off like a man does-thank you Mr. Cruz....
I’ve played guitar for 35 years. This song has been one of my favourite to sing whether I’m on my own or entertaining in small parties ... this is a jewel of a cover.
I enjoyed it even more the second time. I’m a huge Dylan fan so the bar is pretty high and I do believe John Cruz cleared it. There’s so much passion in this rendition. It speaks to a sparse apocalyptic desperation. He’s the last man on earth crying out.
I would venture to say Bob Dylan really can't sing at all but the genius of his career is the song writing abilities so that alone phases out any criticism of his ability to sing.
Came across this by accident. Fabulous version of one of my favorite Dylan songs! Who are the assholes who gave it thumbs down! Thanks John Cruz! Love all your songs. ❤️
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If folks think it's easy to be this captivating with just a guitar and your voice, just go ahead and try it. Magic like this is rare. This is just pure beauty and tribute.
Touché 😉
No one thinks this is easy though. But thanks for pointing out the obvious.
I think it's easy if you're already able to sing and play. I can't sing, so it would be difficult. Was anyone actually here saying this was easy, or are you inventing people to be mad at?
@@DaveDexterMusic”inventing people to be mad at” - That’s funny. Weird as it seems, I think that happens.
Enjoy the talent. Take compliments, even backhanded ones. Thank God musicians get on stage and get into the music like this. "Jokes on you"
Even Dylan never sang Jokerman in such a Dylan-esque way. This isn't a cover, it 's pure HOMAGE. Bravisimo!
You nailed it!!! 👏🏼👏🏼
Brilliant 🌸
Yes!
I highly agree 💯
I've always loved these lyrics. This artist did it in such a way. Moving... ☝️❤️
This song on it's own shows why Bob won the Nobel prize in literature.
Agree 100%
It's an honor to call John my friend. His talent has no limits, and if you've never seen him live, you're missin out. Aloha,
What John can do with a simple acoustic guitar and his voice is pure magic. More important, he is a beautiful soul.
I was just in Honolulu and always check to see if he's playing within the islands. ....no luck yet.
@@randallf.4646 ... the only time I heard him play live music he was playing bass in XIT. I heard he'll be touring on the mainland this summer. Visit his website.
@@danyellerobinson5940 I will! Thank you!
@@randallf.4646 he just played the M.A.C.C . Opened for Bonnie Raitt.
I didn't think anyone but Bob could do justice to this song. I was wrong. Excellent version!
Please, listen to this version: ruclips.net/video/AA_8wtG62DI/видео.html
Assista Caetano Veloso cantando Jokerman, tem no RUclips, depois me diga se gostou!!!
A Dylan classic done very well.
John I knew your dad Ernie, he was a friend. You sound and look like him. He would be proud.
The world is smaller than we can know. Yet, too big at times. It depends on what you're looking for. 😊
He sings it like it’s his. Quite unbelievable 👏👏
It isn't easy to cover Dylan but you did it brilliantly :)
@@carlhannen1769 I concur
The form of a true artist - genuine interpretation.
Amazing cover ! thanks !😍😍 I think has been wrote for your voice ! good job !👍👍👍👍👍
I love everything about the song , have played it 50 times . Incredible artist .
This is absolutely incredible. It needed to be displayed alone for what is accomplished here is of no small feat. Those clamoring for global representation do not appreciate what this man has done. Very few can reproduce a Dylan tune. Those who have, have become legends in their own right. Much respect John.
not many credible covers of Dylan songs.... The Byrds, Hendrix ... they both eclipsed the original, Dylan
himself said "Watchtower" wasnt really a song til Hendrix covered it. Jokerman is poetic gold. He does
a credible job here, but doesnt eclipse the original. well done tho.
Yup. Respect.
@@danielkokal8819 don't feel he was after an "eclipse" tho... Jus do'in HIS thing.
@@myearsloveit agree.... just knockin one out. I do the same myself.
Daniel Kokal he has the one trait that is most important and can’t be taught. Believability
Thank god I am a human and can listen to this and appreciate it. I love life so much
Keep on lovin brother, dont let age take away your childhood. We're all children inside.
Combination of this amazing cover and your comment just ended me man, chopped onions everywhere. I LOVE LIFE TOO.
Sometimes the greatest music, is the purest. No big production, nor big orchestra...this is brilliant.
Fantastic! !
Especially this artists work. Agree
1 guitar, 10 fingers, 1 voice, big soul... What else?
What can I say? Except that I fully agree with you!
To Mr Regan D :absolutely right!
Still playing this cant leave it alone I have 9 grand children and 2 great children this is the best cover I have ever heard I will pass this amazing piece of music on to my beutiful grand children what did you started Dylan you are a one off and John you must have made him proud man you nailed it.
I am a 60 year old Brit, love it,,,
I listen to this at least once a week. Sometimes more. This is the greatest cover of one of my favorite songs of all time. He’s covering Dylan and he’s covering Knopfler and doing it his own way...AMAZING. John Cruz you are a STAR.
What a talent. A hidden gem of a musician...
This is the best of RUclips , wonderful.
Just last night (2 Aug 24) we saw Jon at the Press Room in Portsmouth, NH. He filled the room with aloha. It was an epic performance. He finished with Jokerman.
This man is amazing.
John Cruz is the best!
My Dad's a huge Dylan fan and this is his all-time favourite. I can't wait to play this for him and see his eyes light up.
May Bob Dylan feel some of the honor we feel hearing his song spoken so clearly into our souls
well said Sera. ... I think Jokerman is Dylan's greatest song.
Blind willie mctell is one of the best songs ever. It will be perfect for playing for change
Yes, he does!!
Dylan would have to be proud to hear this
This song is good. This song is hard to cover. John Cruz nails both the song and the essence making this a near perfect cover...and one of the best Dylan covers out there. Bravo.
THE best Dylan cover I have ever heard. Chris Whitley comes close.
One of Dylan's most under appreciated masterpieces played with true talent. I think this new generation needs more Dylan exposior.
For all Bob Dylan non fans, one listen of this will change your mind. A born poet
I listen to John's Rendition of this song on a daily basis. The lyrics and the way John presents the song is great. something about the folk music scene that is so refreshing.
That was THE MOST emotionally expressive cover of one of MY favourite Dylan tracks - STUNNING MY FRIEND - THANK YOU!!
Check this version performed by Brazilian artist Caetano Veloso
ruclips.net/video/M0F6m1Khyl8/видео.html
Its mind blowing
@@shimidt77 Blocked. But this one works: ruclips.net/video/Syaoz-wLy_Y/видео.html Definitely a different interpretation!
Try this one: ruclips.net/video/AA_8wtG62DI/видео.html
Does a better Dylan cover exist?? This is stunning!!
Just like a Woman by Jeff Buckley or Van Morrison are both stunning but this is really incredible too.
Carson McKee did a wonderful version of "The Man In Me"
All along the watchtower by Hendrix
@@joanalemany2298 That and Just like a Woman by Buckley/Van Morrison are tied for the best imo.
This is what it was like for us in the early 60s during the Folk Music boom. Simple.. straight forward.. and cutting right to the heart.
Yes, bravo John Cruz!
I've been gigging this song for more than 25 years. This is absolutely and undoubtedly the finest version that's ever entered my ears. 💙💙💙💙
John Phelan i like the way he says joker man. Like it means something different than intended.
The joker man is a woman in his life who isn’t responding emotionally, and he doesn’t know why. Which is sad because of all the complexity of the song, the problem is simple, which makes you think about all the sad complexity of life and it’s simple goals
But.........if i could press that like button a million times...i would...TRUTH MAHALO John ..you are my sunshine lately..Charisma gallore of love.....and Playing for change, Merci beaucoup...Marc Johnson, you are a love genius
Mr Cruz owns this song.
I come back to this occasionally, I’m always rewarded
Reading the lines of his face, such emotive expression and sound, this kid will go far.
Thank you, John Cruz. Thank you so much!
As a lifelong Dylan fan I love the hell out of this, huge talent, Thank You
I've lost count of the number of times I've returned to listen to this masterpiece, simply superb, Thank You John and hope you are keeping well
All the times I walk past that spot in the park. I can't believe John Cruz was just out there playing. The funny thing is, I would have stopped to listen but not recognized him with short hair. Just another masterpiece for free on youtube. Great time to be alive! Mahalo John.
This video will last for centuries; it’s so real and genuinely beautiful
This is quite possibly the best cover of any song ever done.... even Bob would agree it bests his
Excellent version but nobody does Dylan like Dylan.
"Jokerman" is one of Bob Dylan's least known, most beautiful, best written, and most difficult songs to sing. John Cruz’s version is positively superb. Thank you!
PS - John looks like the embodiment of Hawaiian tikis.
completely false, "...one of Bob Dylan's least known"...if anything its one of his most well known songs especially among non-Dylan fans or listeners... I like John's voice a lot but don't like this version...seem hes just singing the words as the tempo seems a tad too fast.
Baba Yaga c’mon, this version is serene!
I agree awsome!
If you don't keep the song propelling forward it can drag. That is precisely why this a great performance
@@subg8858 Like many of Dylan's greatest, there's so much going on in each line and the phrasing is absolutely key, and very hard to nail. It is a tricky song to do justice to.
1000 times, and everytime directly in my heart ♥
I tip my hat to this performer.
He just lived the story and shared it with us.
How the way you play n sing this song is a blessing to people who have hear u sing. Your punches in Dylan's caustic wordings hit so hard to the heart n soul. U didn't nailed brother, its yours, thanks.
This is still my favourite cover song of all time. Geezer has some serious skills
I'll never tire of listening to this
I love this version. There is a real clarity in it. I can hear all the lyrics, word for word, and that's something that bypassed me in the original, even tho' I knew the song. Appreciated! ❤
Truth and beauty. The tears see my eyes but they flow from my soul. None done better, John Cruz!
Seeing a man put his heart and his soul into it gives me hope ✌️❤️
Mr. John Cruz, Thank You so very much for Your magical interpatation of this Dylan tune. I have watched and listened to Your performance and have yet to figure out exactly what you have up Your sleeve. Beyond Magicical. Regardless what life may be throwing at me I but this on and nothing else exists. I am so excited to hear more. Again Thank You Sir.
Oh boy... got to love this voice, this sould, this music...
This runs from the heart.
..probably the best ever cover of a top Bob song.
Wow and again wow..
Brilliant absolutely brilliant
Brilliant absolutely beautiful
Blew me away.
Makes me cry. It explains all! Thank you john Cruz
When I put this on I didn't expect to have tears in my eyes by the end. Simply incredible.
That’s odd. You may be prone to over sensitivity.
Cruz does such justice to the lyrics of this incredible song. Dylan is a dream twister.
I love this version. It is so damned emotional. It's perfect
John cruz is a good singer! Bravo mr. Cruz 👏👍
One of my favorites..often covered...rarely mastered, even by Bob. My hats off to you John!
...and the trees in the background...what can I say...wonderful
The Power of Music... 💚💚💚
Cruz understands and feels more than just the music in this cover. Well done.
To me, this is probably the strongest lyrics Bob has ever written.
This is a fantastic cover of Jokerman.
You know, John Cruz reminds me of one of my all time greatest heroes, Rick Danko.
He is as soulful as Rick, was.. That's the best compliment I can give a person,I think.. . .
Vidar Larsen it's alright ma
@Jasper Newcomb No limit....
But Danko also had such an endearing puppy-like quality, many live moments. Pure joy showing at what he was doing
His catalog is a gallery of masterpieces. I could never compare songs.
I can listen to this guy for hours
Wonderful cover of this great Bob Dylan song
Hi Susan, came back to hear this wonderful cover and saw your name, have a great weekend 😎
@@TheSamoht67 Hi Tom
Wow!!!!! Bob should hear this!!! Sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo Gooooooooooood........
Just beautiful. Thank you John Cruz and Playing for Change. You do music right.
JOHN IS REAL TALENT..
HOW COULD ANY PERSON GIVE THIS A THUMBS DOWN ?????.................
.....................JEALOUSY, THAT'S HOW
Very very beatiful. It goes deep in me. Thank you John Cruz! And thank you Bob Dylan too. This cover is superb
Forgive me Bob Dylan. But, this interpretation of John Cruz is Perfect! Thank you John Cruz!
Wow watched this so many times played from the soul you are a credit to anyone that has ever picked up a guitar thank you man for your wonderful music.
Performed with a steely-confidence. Powerful, clear vocals. Just fantastic.
The finest song Bob Dylan wrote in the 1980s decade and one of his greatest ever. A crackling version by John Cruz here - already among my all-time favourite Dylan covers. This is why Dylan got the Lit Nobel; no one before him (and not many after him) took or have taken syncopated words to this kind of a place before, in terms of feeling, not meaning.
Jaideep Varma well said.
Not the best. Every Grain of Sand and Blind Willie McTell I rate above this fine song.
This is an outstanding work in and of itself. Dylan created it but John brings it to life. I listen to this so often I have lost count. Mahalo John Cruz.
Bob should hear this version...
Bob hears everything silly goose.
Holy s**t! This guy rocks. Glad this video is on here. Peace all
Quelle tres belle version de Jokerman
What a beautiful version of Jokerman
Check out more of our recent videos here: www.playingforchange.com/videos
I love finding good music that blows your mind. Better than the original
I heard this 15 minutes after it posted. Oh man what a treat! I too, have a crooked smile, and I too am hawaiian, lastly I too, have that tangible sorrow in my eyes....I play this every morning-then I suit up and walk it off like a man does-thank you Mr. Cruz....
I’ve played guitar for 35 years. This song has been one of my favourite to sing whether I’m on my own or entertaining in small parties ... this is a jewel of a cover.
Wonderful version of a forgotten classic. Thank you 👏👏👏👏👏
Goosebumps.....that's all I got.
John Cruz, I believe you every word and tune you sing. I love it.
Great version John Cruz is a mighty fine artist top class
I had never heard of John Cruz 'til I watched Playing For Change's "The Weight". He does a helluva job here.
My favorite of this song. Gives me strength
One of Bob's best on an 80s over produced album and song. The acoustic version does the song justice. Great job!
WONDERFUL!... Soul... simply as it is...
I enjoyed it even more the second time.
I’m a huge Dylan fan so the bar is pretty high and I do believe John Cruz cleared it. There’s so much passion in this rendition. It speaks to a sparse apocalyptic desperation. He’s the last man on earth crying out.
I keep coming back to this. Great cover by John.
What a sublime rendition of great song. So much soul in the performance. Thank you for sharing this with us.
Just love this. I feel sorry for people who say Bob can't sing. What a man. Thanks for the last 48 years Bob x
I would venture to say Bob Dylan really can't sing at all but the genius of his career is the song writing abilities so that alone phases out any criticism of his ability to sing.
Captures and presents the song like BOB would be proud of.
This is a superb rendition, did not think it was possible. Thankyou.
Wow! Love Bob Dylan, love this version. Beautiful!!! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻❤️🎵🎶✌🏻
Came across this by accident. Fabulous version of one of my favorite Dylan songs! Who are the assholes who gave it thumbs down! Thanks John Cruz! Love all your songs. ❤️
FLAWLESS VICTORY !
This guy is incredible ,, spot on !!!