Joy
Steve E. Williams Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

I don't want you anymore
'Cause you took my joy
I don't want you anymore
You took my joy

You took my joy
I want it back
You took my joy
I want it back

I'm gonna go to west Memphis as I'll look for my joy
Go to west Memphis as I'll look for my joy
Maybe in west Memphis as I'll find my joy
Maybe in west Memphis as I'll find my joy

I'm gonna go to Slidell and look for my joy
Go to Slidell and look for my joy
Maybe in Slidell I'll find my joy
Maybe in Slidell I'll find my joy

You got no right to take my joy
I want it back
You got no right to take my joy
I want it back

You took my joy
I want it back
You took my joy
I want it back

I'm gonna go to west Memphis as I'll look for my joy
Go to west Memphis as I'll look for my joy
Maybe in west Memphis as I'll find my joy
Maybe in west Memphis as I'll find my joy

I'm gonna go to Slidell and look for my joy
Go to Slidell and look for my joy
Maybe in Slidell I'll find my joy
Maybe in Slidell I'll find my joy

I don't want you anymore
'Cause you took my joy
I don't want you anymore
You took my joy

You took my joy
I want it back
You took my joy
I want it back

You took my joy
I want it back
You took my joy
I want it back





I'm gonna go to west Memphis
I'm gonna go to Slidell

Overall Meaning

At first glance, Steve E. Williams's song "Joy" may be interpreted as a simple breakup song. The repetition of the lines "I don't want you anymore" and "You took my joy" suggests that the singer is addressing a former lover who has caused them pain. However, upon closer inspection, the song seems to be about more than just a failed relationship.


The use of the word "joy" can be interpreted not just as happiness, but also as a deeper sense of fulfillment and purpose. By saying that the person has taken their joy, the singer is suggesting that their partner has taken away something fundamental to their being. The repetition of "I want it back" reinforces this idea that the singer is seeking to find not just happiness, but a sense of wholeness that they believe their partner has taken away from them.


The repeated references to different locations, such as west Memphis and Slidell, suggest that the singer is on a physical quest to find their joy. However, it could also be interpreted as a metaphorical journey to find themselves again after losing a part of themselves in the failed relationship. The repeated refrain of "You got no right to take my joy" is a powerful statement of individuality and self-worth, suggesting that the singer is determined to reclaim what was taken from them and not allow anyone else to dictate their sense of self.


Line by Line Meaning

I don't want you anymore
The singer is no longer interested in being with the person they are addressing.


'Cause you took my joy
The person they were with had a negative impact on their happiness and well-being.


You took my joy
The person they were with caused them to lose their sense of happiness and fulfillment.


I want it back
The artist desires to regain their happiness and sense of fulfillment.


I'm gonna go to west Memphis as I'll look for my joy
The artist will travel to West Memphis, hoping to find their lost sense of joy.


Maybe in west Memphis as I'll find my joy
The singer hopes that West Memphis is where they will rediscover their lost joy.


I'm gonna go to Slidell and look for my joy
The singer plans to go to Slidell to search for their happiness.


Maybe in Slidell I'll find my joy
The artist has some hope that they will find their lost sense of joy in Slidell.


You got no right to take my joy
The person they were with had no right to cause the artist to lose their sense of happiness and fulfillment.


I don't want you anymore
The artist iterates that they no longer want to be with the other person.


You took my joy
The person they were with caused them to lose their sense of happiness and fulfillment, which is the reason for the breakup.


You took my joy
The person they were with caused them to lose their sense of happiness and fulfillment.


I want it back
The singer desires to regain their happiness and sense of fulfillment.


I'm gonna go to west Memphis as I'll look for my joy
The singer will travel to West Memphis, hoping to find their lost sense of joy.


Maybe in west Memphis as I'll find my joy
The singer hopes that West Memphis is where they will rediscover their lost joy.


I'm gonna go to Slidell and look for my joy
The artist plans to go to Slidell to search for their happiness.


Maybe in Slidell I'll find my joy
The artist has some hope that they will find their lost sense of joy in Slidell.


You took my joy
The person they were with caused them to lose their sense of happiness and fulfillment.


I want it back
The singer desires to regain their happiness and sense of fulfillment.


You took my joy
The person they were with caused them to lose their sense of happiness and fulfillment.


I want it back
The artist desires to regain their happiness and sense of fulfillment.


I'm gonna go to west Memphis
The artist reiterates their plan to go to West Memphis.


I'm gonna go to Slidell
The singer is determined to go to Slidell to search for their happiness.




Lyrics © DistroKid, BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Lucinda Williams

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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