Joy To The World
Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes with Sharon Paige Lyrics
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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
Singing
Joy to the world
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 war
Make sweet love to you
Sing it now
Joy to the world
All the boys and girls
Joy to the fishes in the deep blue sea
Joy to you and me
You know I love the ladies
Love to have my fun
I'm a high life flyer and a rainbow rider
A straight shooting son-of-a-gun (oh yeah)
I said a straight shooting son-of-a-gun
Joy to the world
All the boys and girls
Joy to the fishes in the deep blue sea
Joy to you and me
Joy to the world
All the boys and girls
Joy to the fishes in the deep blue sea
Joy to you and me
Joy to the world
All the boys and girls
Joy to the world
Joy to you and me
Joy to the world
All the boys and girls now
Joy to the fishes in the deep blue sea
Joy to you and me
Joy to the world
All the boys and girls
Joy to the fishes in the deep blue sea
Joy to you and me
I wanna tell you
Joy to the world
All the boys and girls
Joy to the fishes in the deep blue sea
Joy to you and me
Joy to the world
All the boys and girls
Joy to the fishes in the deep blue sea
Joy to you and me
Joy to the world
All the boys and girls
The lyrics of "Joy to the World" by Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes with Sharon Paige start off with a reference to the famous folk song "Joy to the World", but then quickly take a different turn. The first few lines introduce Jeremiah, a bullfrog who is a good friend but whose words are incomprehensible to the singer. The mention of wine suggests a convivial environment, with the singer and Jeremiah enjoying themselves. Then suddenly, the song transitions back to the "Joy to the World" refrain, inviting all the boys and girls and the fishes in the deep blue sea to join in on the joy.
The second verse imagines what the world would be like if the singer were the king, and he'd throw away cars, bars, and wars, and instead make sweet love to his beloved. This dreamlike scenario is followed by another "Joy to the World" chorus, this time featuring the singer identifying as a "high life flyer and a rainbow rider" who enjoys the company of women. The song then builds to an extended chorus that repeats the different lines, with the final line being a triumphant "Joy to the world", repeated three times.
Overall, the song is a playful and joyous celebration of life, friendship, and love. While the verses often seem random and light-hearted, the "Joy to the World" chorus acts as an anchor, reminding listeners of the power of communal celebration.
Line by Line Meaning
Jeremiah was a bullfrog
I knew a guy named Jeremiah who was a bit round and bumpy like a bullfrog
Was a good friend of mine
He and I were buddies
I never understood a single word he said
He was difficult to comprehend
But I helped him a-drink his wine
But I always offered to share his tasty alcoholic beverages with him
And he always had some mighty fine wine
He consistently had high-quality wine
Joy to the world
I am filled with happiness
All the boys and girls now
Everyone is included in this joyful sentiment
Joy to the fishes in the deep blue sea
Even the sea creatures should share in this happiness
Joy to you and me
We should all be joyful together
If I were the king of the world
If I were in charge of everything
Tell you what I'd do
I would make some changes
I'd throw away the cars and the bars and the war
I would do away with cars, bars, and war
Make sweet love to you
Instead, I would choose to engage in some romantic activity with you
Sing it now
Let's sing about it
You know I love the ladies
I am fond of women
Love to have my fun
I like to enjoy myself
I'm a high life flyer and a rainbow rider
I live my life to the fullest and am very adventurous
A straight shooting son-of-a-gun (oh yeah)
I am a straightforward and honest person
All the boys and girls
Everyone, regardless of gender or age
I wanna tell you
Let me share this with you
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: STEPHANIE CHAPMAN, ISAAC WATTS, TRADITIONAL (WRITER UNKNOWN), LOWELL MASON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind