After attending Duke University where she studied biology and cultural anthropology, Joy moved to the United Kingdom. At the University of London she studied medical anthropology by day and the local art scene by night. While in Europe she performed in London and at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. When Joy returned to LA she began work on her one-woman-show entitled, THE NAPPY GODDESS COMPLEX. It ran for 4 weeks at the Hudson Theater and received rave reviews. Joy also became a fixture on LA's underground spoken word/ soul movement. In addition to performing around the city, Joy has traveled from the West Coast of Africa to the West Coast of America, sharing her work in Cuba, Turkey and Swaziland among other places. She is currently a recipient of the 2002 California Arts Council Individual Artist In Residence Prograqm Grant, which allows her to conduct literary workshops with HIV positive individuals.
Growing up, Joy Jones sang in church and later nurtured an interest in spoken word and song writing. After graduating, she moved to London and was moved by the fact so many people were making a living from their creativity.
Recently Joy has reconnected with the London art scene to complete her debut CD with the legendary Bugz In The Attic Crew. Her highly anticipated album, Godchild, which was released in early 2009, and was a journey into postmodern funk, surrealist soul and intergalactic grooves for the people.
Joy Jones hopes that listeners of her new album will be touched by its messages and themes: “I have spent quite a bit of time thinking about what I want to say and the messages I want to put out. This is a labor of love and I hope that it translates and transforms into a tool for change. This journey to LP has largely been due to divine choreography, fabulous blessings and good folks. I am constantly amazed at the trajectory.”
Promised Land
Joy Jones Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It's a hard knock life I know
Trying to maintain, trying to grow
Where you're pressed on every side
Trying hard to show your skills
In the chaos, standing still
Knowing who you are inside
Time's a circle, never straight
Life's a journey, not a place
These are truths I hold so dear
This life I have down here's not mine
I'm in service of the divine
Of no man shall I have fear
Take me to the promised land
Let me bathe on golden sands
Where the milk and honey flow
Won't you come and take my hand
Women, girl and boy and man
Where the milk and honey flow
I got this one here from my folks
who went before, who knew the ropes
It's the thing that saw them through
I call it my personal song
keeps me focused, keeps me calm
Its the gift I give to you (And you)
For there's a land where no one dies
Where there is Joy, and no one cries
It's the place I plan to go
You can come too if you desire
This ticket here will take you higher
Than mankind has even known
Take me to the promised land
Let me bathe on golden sands
Where the milk and honey flow
Won't you come and take my hand
Women, girl and boy and man
Where the milk and honey flow
Take me to the promised land
Let me bathe on golden sands
Where the milk and honey flow
Won't you come and take my hand
Women, girl and boy and man
Where the milk and honey flow
Flow
The lyrics of Joy Jones's song "Promised Land" speak about the struggles and challenges of life, and the hope for a better place beyond this life. The opening lines describe the hardships of life and the constant pressure from all sides. The singer talks about trying to maintain and grow despite the difficulties, and standing firm in chaos.
The following lines describe the cyclical nature of time and the journey of life. The singer speaks about the importance of knowing oneself and the truths they hold dear. They assert that their life down here is not their own but rather in service of the divine, and that they will have no fear of any man.
The chorus speaks about the promised land, a place where there is no death, sorrow, or tears. It's a place where joy abounds, and milk and honey flow. The singer asks for someone to take them to this place, where they can finally rest and find peace. The final lines describe this promised land as a place where anyone can go if they desire, and they urge others to take this ticket to go higher than mankind has even known.
The song embodies the human desire to find a place beyond the struggles of life, a place of rest and peace. The singer speaks of a personal song that keeps them focused, calm, and gives them hope. They share this gift with others, inviting them to join them in the promised land where there is no pain or sorrow.
Line by Line Meaning
It's a hard knock life I know
Life can be tough and trying to navigate it can be challenging.
Trying to maintain, trying to grow
Endeavoring to succeed, sustain oneself and improve oneself at the same time.
Where you're pressed on every side
Feeling like you are under constant pressure from various sources.
Trying hard to show your skills
Striving to demonstrate one's abilities and talents.
In the chaos, standing still
Remaining calm and resolute even when things are chaotic and uncertain.
Knowing who you are inside
Having a clear understanding of one's values, beliefs, and character.
Time's a circle, never straight
Life is not always predictable and often takes unexpected turns.
Life's a journey, not a place
Life is a process and not a destination.
These are truths I hold so dear
These are fundamental beliefs that hold great significance for me.
This life I have down here's not mine
This current earthly existence is temporary and not ultimately owned by me.
I'm in service of the divine
I believe that my purpose is to serve a higher power or purpose.
Of no man shall I have fear
I will not be intimidated or controlled by any human being.
Take me to the promised land
I long for a place of safety, abundance, and happiness.
Let me bathe on golden sands
I desire luxury, beauty, and splendor.
Where the milk and honey flow
I desire a place of prosperity, abundance, and nourishment.
Won't you come and take my hand
I invite others to join me on this journey.
Women, girl and boy and man
I welcome all people, regardless of gender or age.
I got this one here from my folks
This idea or belief was passed down to me from my ancestors.
who went before, who knew the ropes
My ancestors have experienced life and instilled their wisdom in me.
It's the thing that saw them through
This belief or value helped my ancestors persevere and endure.
I call it my personal song
This belief or value is deeply personal and meaningful to me.
keeps me focused, keeps me calm
This belief or value centers me and helps me remain composed.
Its the gift I give to you (And you)
I share this belief or value with others as a way of giving back and offering hope.
For there's a land where no one dies
I believe in a place of eternal life and existence.
Where there is Joy, and no one cries
This place is characterized by happiness, peace, and freedom from suffering.
It's the place I plan to go
I am focused on and pursuing this ideal place.
You can come too if you desire
I invite others to join me on this journey to a better place.
This ticket here will take you higher
I believe this journey will lead to a better, more elevated existence.
Than mankind has even known
I believe this place is beyond anything humans have experienced on earth.
Flow
An invitation to continue on this journey towards an ultimate goal.
Lyrics © DistroKid
Written by: Joy Jones
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind