Joy
Dorothy Anderson/Kirk Franklin/Georgia Mass Choir Lyrics

Joy, joy, God's great joy
The joy that fills the singer comes from God and is of divine origin.

Joy, joy, down in my soul
The joy is not only an external emotion but also a feeling that is deep within the soul.

Sweet, beautiful, soul saving joy
The joy is characterized as something pleasant, lovely and is capable of saving the soul. It is not just any ordinary emotion.

Oh, joy, joy in my soul
The repetition of the word joy indicates the strong emotions that the artist is experiencing.

Early in the morning, before the break of day
The artist starts their day with a prayer to seek wholeness from the Lord.

I asked the Lord to make me whole
The prayer is specific and directed towards seeking wholeness from the Lord.

He holds me and the Lord keeps me
The singer feels secure and in the presence of God. They are mindful of the fact that God is keeping them safe.

Listen, when I get weak and I can't go on
When the artist faces situations that challenge them, they turn to God for hope and strength.

Thank you, Jesus, I feel all my hope, all my joy is gone
The artist recognizes that their hope and joy come from Jesus and express their gratitude towards Him.

Late in the midnight hour I talk to my God
The artist prays to God at night, when they are alone and feel more connected to Him.

And He gives me joy, joy in my soul, thank you Jesus
The singer experiences joy that comes from the Lord and thanks Jesus for it.

One of these all mornings it won't be very long
The artist acknowledges that their time on earth is limited and that they will eventually leave this world.

You just might look for me, but I'm going on home
The singer affirms that they are going to their heavenly home and no longer belong in this world.

I'm going up to glory (oh yes, I am) where I'm gonna sing and shout
The singer is confident that they are going to heaven and is looking forward to singing and praising God there.

Can y'all help me sing joy
The singer invites others to join them in singing and expressing their joy.

It is sweet, beautiful, soul saving joy
The artist reiterates that the joy they feel is not only sweet and beautiful but also capable of saving the soul.

Listen what I like, listen, no food on the table (no food on the table, joy)
The artist is illustrating the situation when they have nothing to eat, and yet they still feel joy because they trust that the Lord will provide for them.

Thank You, Jesus, I know that He is able (I know that He is able, joy)
The singer recognizes that God is capable of providing and being present in any situation, and this brings them joy.

The Master's joy (the Master's joy)
The singer is referring to Jesus as the Master and acknowledging that the joy they feel is from Him.

Can I get a witness? Can I get a witness?
The artist asks for confirmation from the listeners that they feel the same joy that they are expressing.