Joy To The World
Axton Lyrics


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Jeremiah was a bull frog
Was a good friend of mine
I never understood a single word he said
But I helped him a-drink his wine
And he always had some mighty fine wine


Singin'
{Refrain}
Joy to the world
All the boys and girls
Joy to the fishes in the deep blue sea
Joy to you and me


If I were the king of the world
Tell you what I'd do
I'd throw away the cars and the bars and the wars
And make sweet love to you

Sing it now
{Refrain}

You know I love the ladies
Love to have my fun
I'm a high night flier and a rainbow rider
And a straight-shootin' son of a gun
I said a straight-shootin' son of a gun

{Refrain twice}





Second time: / E - A - / / E E7 A Am / E B7 E - /

Overall Meaning

Axton's "Joy to the World" is an upbeat and happy song about spreading joy to everyone, from fish to people. The lyrics begin by introducing a character, Jeremiah who is described as a bullfrog and a good friend of the singer's. Although the singer confesses to not understanding what Jeremiah says, he happily shares in Jeremiah's fine wine. The chorus repeats twice, urging everyone to feel joy and spreading it to others, including the deep blue sea and to everyone.


The second verse is a fantasy about what the singer would do if he was the king of the world. The singer declares that he would get rid of war, cars, and bars and promote love, emphasizing that he would make sweet love to his beloved. The final verse highlights the singer's temperament, describing himself as a lover of fun and a straight-shootin' son of a gun. The chorus repeats twice, emphasizing the importance of spreading joy.


Line by Line Meaning

Jeremiah was a bull frog
Jeremiah was a close friend of mine, who had a rough exterior like a bull frog.


Was a good friend of mine
Despite our obvious differences, Jeremiah and I were good friends.


I never understood a single word he said
Despite our friendship, I often struggled to understand Jeremiah's words and actions.


But I helped him a-drink his wine
Despite our differences, I enjoyed spending time with Jeremiah, especially when we shared a drink together.


And he always had some mighty fine wine
Jeremiah had good taste in wine and he always had some on hand to share.


Joy to the world
Let us all rejoice and find happiness in the world around us.


All the boys and girls
This feeling of joy is meant for everyone, regardless of age or gender.


Joy to the fishes in the deep blue sea
Even the creatures in the sea should experience this joy and happiness.


Joy to you and me
Let us both be happy and find joy in our lives together.


If I were the king of the world
In a hypothetical situation where I held great power and influence, I would use it to make positive changes.


Tell you what I'd do
Let me describe the specific changes I would make.


I'd throw away the cars and the bars and the wars
I would get rid of the things that cause division and conflict, such as cars, bars, and war.


And make sweet love to you
I would prioritize love and affection in this ideal world, sharing a romantic connection with someone special.


You know I love the ladies
I am attracted to women and enjoy their company.


Love to have my fun
I enjoy living life to the fullest and having a good time.


I'm a high night flier and a rainbow rider
I am adventurous and enjoy exploring new things and experiences.


And a straight-shootin' son of a gun
I am honest and direct in my dealings with others.




Lyrics Š Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: LEROY ANDERSON

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@bonnieboren4649

Hoyt was my 2nd cousin. He was such a great guy! Miss you & Grandaunt Mae Boren Axton!💙

@robertscott7625

Hoyt Axton was a great Singer and Actor, I had the unexpected pleasure of seeing him doing his thing in an episode of Bonanza

@katiezee2

Jeremiah was a bullfrog...one example of the most memorable first words of a song

@alanoneill3065

GREAT!!!..Hoyt & backing singers !!!!

@bonnieboren4649

My Daddy's cousin! Miss you! Died in 1995. Inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. His Mom, my Grandaunt Mae Boren Acton wrote Heartbreak Hotel. She died in 1996 & was also inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. As well as many other accomplishments. Hoyt also wrote God Dann the Pusherman & the NoNo song for Ringo. Miss you both. Wish I had gone to Nashville when Mae asked me.. I was into Zeppelin & said no thanks. Oh the cruel irony when T-Bone got Robert Plant to sing with Allison Kraus! LOL!

@alanoneill3065

que sera...

@sadaakisugii5798

Hoyt died in 1999. His brotherJohn B died in 1995. Mae died in April of 1997.

@markrush5013

rest in peace,hoyt! you wont never know how much i love your music.....

@johnnyloper4110

If you've never heard Hoyt's version of "Maybelline," it's worth the effort to find it.

@belindamiddleton972

This song was number one when I was born n 1971 love it

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