Joy To The World
The Vienna Boys Choir & London Symphony Orchestra 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
Singin'
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 shootin' son-of-a-gun
I said a straight shootin' 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 want to 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
At first glance, the lyrics to The Vienna Boys Choir-London Symphony Orchestra's "Joy To The World" might seem strange and disconnected with the well-known holiday hymn of the same name. However, the song is actually a cover of the 1971 Three Dog Night hit "Joy To The World," which was written by Hoyt Axton. In the original version, the lyrics start with "Jeremiah was a bullfrog" and continue with "three things he said to me." The Vienna Boys Choir's version changes the second line to "Was a good friend of mine," and eliminates any reference to the three things that Jeremiah allegedly said. The song then goes on to describe the singer's desire to bring joy to everyone and everything around him.
The song itself is a catchy, upbeat tune that encourages people to celebrate and to spread joy to the world. The reference to Jeremiah being a bullfrog is simply a nod to the original version of the song, which had a folksy feel to it. The rest of the lyrics are straight-forward, expressing a desire to be a king who spreads joy instead of war and to have fun and spread joy with the ladies. Ultimately, the song is a celebration of life and a call to everyone to find joy in the world around them.
Line by Line Meaning
Jeremiah was a bullfrog
The singer introduces the character of Jeremiah, who was a friendly, possibly uncommunicative animal.
Was a good friend of mine
The singer confirms that they had a personal relationship with Jeremiah.
I never understood a single word he said
Despite being friends, the singer could not understand Jeremiah's language.
But I helped him a-drink his wine
The artist offered Jeremiah assistance in his drinking habits.
And he always had some mighty fine wine
Jeremiah's wine was of exceptional quality.
Singin'
The singer prepares the audience for the upcoming musical performance.
Joy to the world
The performer invokes the idea of happiness and celebration.
All the boys and girls now
Everyone, young and old, is invited to join in the celebration.
Joy to the fishes in the deep blue sea
Not just humans, but all living creatures should feel joy.
Joy to you and me
The performer includes themselves, and the audience, in the sentiment of joy.
If I were the king of the world
The singer entertains the idea of having ultimate power.
Tell you what I'd do
The artist is about to describe their hypothetical actions as a king.
I'd throw away the cars and the bars and the war
The singer would eliminate sources of conflict and pollution.
Make sweet love to you
The singer would choose love over aggression and destruction.
You know I love the ladies
The singer reveals their affinity for women.
Love to have my fun
The artist enjoys entertainment.
I'm a high life flyer and a rainbow rider
The artist lives life with enthusiasm and flair.
A straight shootin' son-of-a-gun
The singer prides themselves on their honesty and integrity.
Joy to the world
The celebratory sentiment is repeated.
I want to tell you
The artist is about to emphasize a point.
Joy to the world
The celebratory sentiment is repeated.
Joy to you and me
The performer includes themselves and the audience in the shared emotion of joy.
Lyrics © Public Domain
Written by: G. F. Haendel, Isaac Watts
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind