Joy To The World
Three Dog Night Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Jeremiah was a bullfrog
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
All the boys and girls now

Joy to the fishes in the deep blue sea
Joy to you and me

And 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 world
Joy to you and me

Joy to the world (yeah, yeah)
All the boys and girls
Joy to the fishes in the deep blue sea
Joy to you and me (yeah, now sing it baby)

Joy to the world
Joy to you and me
You know I meant, joy to the world
You know I meant joy
All the boys and girls
Joy to the fishes in the deep blue sea
Joy to you and me

You know I meant, joy to the world
You know I meant Joy
All the boys and girls (yeah, yeah)
Joy to the fishes in the deep blue sea
Joy to you and me (ah yeah you)

Joy to the world (I meant you and me)
All the boys and girls

Overall Meaning

"Joy to the World" by Three Dog Night is a celebratory anthem that encourages everyone to experience joy and happiness in their lives. The song revolves around the concept of looking beyond materialistic objects and reveling in life's everyday pleasures. The opening lines of the song, "Jeremiah was a bullfrog, was a good friend of mine, I never understood a single word he said, but I helped him drink his wine," paints a picture of an unlikely friendship between a man and a bullfrog. It symbolizes that great relationships do not have to be based on just understanding but also acceptance and enjoying each other's company. The lines that follow, "And he always had some mighty fine wine," highlights the importance of uplifting connections where one's friends always elevate their lives.

As the song progresses, the lyrics shift to a vision where the singer wants to be the "king of the world" and wishes to purge the negativity that comes with modern times. The lyrics, "I'd throw away the cars and the bars and the war, make sweet love to you," suggests a desire to turn back time, to a simpler time, and to reject societal constructs that create tensions and conflict. It's a call for a world where love and joy are paramount.

In conclusion, "Joy to the World" encourages its listeners to build meaningful relationships, looks beyond materialistic wants, and desires a world of love and joy.

Line by Line Meaning

Jeremiah was a bullfrog
Jeremiah was an enigmatic character, but I considered him a good friend

Was a good friend of mine
Jeremiah was someone I held in high regard and appreciated his friendship

I never understood a single word he said
I could never fully comprehend Jeremiah's way of speaking or underlying message

But I helped him a-drink his wine
Despite not understanding him, I shared in his company and indulged in his quality wine

And he always had some mighty fine wine
Jeremiah consistently provided me with exceptional wine to enjoy

Singin' joy to the world
Proclaiming and spreading a message of universal happiness and hopefulness

All the boys and girls now
A jubilant call to all of humanity, regardless of gender or age

Joy to the fishes in the deep blue sea
Recognizing joy and harmony for all living beings, from sea creatures to humans

Joy to you and me
Extending the message of joy and optimism to oneself and others

And if I were the king of the world
Contemplating a hypothetical situation where one holds absolute power

Tell you what I'd do
Describing the singer's intentions and changes they would enact

I'd throw away the cars and the bars and the war
Eliminating societal issues and conflicts such as transportation, imprisonment, and warfare

Make sweet love to you
Promising an act of intimacy and bonding between two individuals

You know I love the ladies
Acknowledging love and appreciation for women

Love to have my fun
Enjoying life in various ways and having a good time

I'm a high life flyer and a rainbow rider
Describing oneself as someone who enjoys a luxurious and fun lifestyle with a positive outlook

A straight shootin' son-of-a-gun
Proudly proclaiming oneself to be honest and reliable

All the boys and girls now
A joyful call to gather and celebrate with all people

You know I meant, joy to the world
Reaffirming and emphasizing the message of joy and unity

Joy to you and me
Continuing to express and spread joy and positivity to oneself and others

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Royalty Network, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Capitol CMG Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Hoyt Wayne Axton

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

TRACKS