The day you came
Naked, afraid
Young mother screams and pushes you
The day you came

Oh joy begin
Weak little thing
More precious there'll be nothing, no
Oh joy begin

Let's not forget these early days
Remember we begin the same
We lose our way in fear and pain
Oh joy begin

First just one step
One word and then
With laughter sing, oh life begin
First just one step

Let's not forget these early days
Remembering we began the same
We lose our way in fear and pain
Oh joy begin

Innocent kiss
Black magic bliss
First broken bone
Sudden and swift
Oh innocence

Let's not forget these early days
Remember we begin the same
We lose our way in fear and pain
Oh joy begin
Oh joy begin

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Joy" by Matthew & Me are about the beginning of life with its ups and downs. The song starts with the day of birth, a moment of vulnerability when a newborn arrives naked and the mother screams and pushes. However, despite the pain, the arrival of a new life brings joy, and that is expressed in the chorus: "Oh joy begin, Weak little thing, More precious there'll be nothing, no."

The next verse talks about the early years of life, where first steps and words are taken. These are moments of excitement and happiness when life is just beginning, and everything is a discovery. The repetition of the chorus emphasizes the idea that joy should be the starting point of life, that we need to remember that we all began the same way and that fear and pain should not distract us from it. The last verse talks about the loss of innocence and the sudden changes that happen in life, such as broken bones.

Overall, "Joy" is a song about celebrating life and the joy it can bring, but it is also a reminder that life is not always easy. Pain and fear are part of it, but joy should always be the starting point.

Line by Line Meaning

The day you came
The day you were born

Naked, afraid
In a vulnerable state with no clothes or protection

Young mother screams and pushes you
The mother is in labor and giving birth

Oh joy begin
Expressing excitement for the beginning of something joyful

Weak little thing
Being born frail and weak

More precious there'll be nothing, no
Nothing in the world is more valuable than a newborn baby

Let's not forget these early days
A call to remember and cherish the early days of life

Remember we begin the same
Recognizing that everyone begins life in the same way

We lose our way in fear and pain
Acknowledging that life can become difficult and scary

First just one step
Taking the first step in life

One word and then
Progressing to the point of being able to say single words

With laughter sing, oh life begin
Enjoying life with laughter as it continues to unfold

Innocent kiss
A sweet and pure gesture of affection

Black magic bliss
A moment of pleasure and happiness that seems magical

First broken bone
The first instance of physical pain and injury

Sudden and swift
Happening quickly and unexpectedly

Oh innocence
Reflecting on the fleeting nature of innocence and naivety

Oh joy begin
Reiterating the message of finding joy in life

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Dave Matthews, Carter Beauford, Stefan Lessard, Tim Reynolds, Rashawn Ross, Jeff Coffin, Buddy Strong

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind