Having taken up singing as a hobby after arriving in her new homeland, Wing gained an audience by entertaining patients at nursing homes and hospitals in and around Auckland, and this prompted suggestions that she release a CD; the result was a debut entitled Phantom of the Opera, featuring the Andrew Lloyd Webber classic, and a selection of other popular tunes. Most agree that Wing's music lacks accuracy in pitch, and the style of her vocals rarely seems appropriate for the songs she covers. This has not stopped fans though, some of whom listen for the novelty, whereas others genuinely appreciate Wing's music.
Despite — or more accurately, because of — Wing's pronounced lack of vocal talent and marginal command of English diction, the recording proved a success, leading to a number of subsequent releases that eventually gained her an international audience. In recent years she has become a minor celebrity, appearing on such shows as Rove Live and being featured on episode 903 of South Park, which she actually recorded her vocals for.
Wing continues in the tradition of William Hung, Florence Foster Jenkins and Mrs Miller, and despite receiving some rather acerbic reviews, continues to perform and record.
Joy To The World
Wing Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Was a good friend of mine
Never understood a single word he said
But I helped him drink his wine
Yes he always had some mighty fine wine
Singing joy to the world
All the boys and girls now
Joy to the fishes in the deep blue sea
If I were the king of the world
Tell you what I'd do
Throw away the cars and bars and wars
And make sweet love to you
Yes I'd make sweet love to you
Singing joy to the world
All the boys and girls now
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 night flyer and a rainbow rider
A straight shootin' son of a gun
Yes a straight shootin' son of a gun
Singing 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 world
Joy to you ane me
Joy to the world
All the boys and girls
Joy to the fishes in the deep blue sea
Joy to you and me
The lyrics of Wing's version of Joy to the World convey a sense of carefree joy, celebrating the simple pleasures of life, while also hinting at a desire for a world without conflict and for personal connection. The opening lines set this tone with the introduction of "Jeremiah," who is "a bullfrog" and "a good friend of mine." Despite the fact that the singer "never understood a single word he said," he was happy to share "some mighty fine wine" with him.
The chorus then invites "all the boys and girls now" to join in singing "joy to the world," which extends beyond just humans to include "the fishes in the deep blue sea." The second verse, however, takes a more personal turn, as the singer imagines a world where he is "the king of the world" and can "throw away the cars and bars and wars" to instead "make sweet love to you." The third verse continues this celebration of personal pleasure, with the singer describing himself as a "high night flyer and a rainbow rider" who loves "the ladies" and is a "straight shootin' son of a gun."
Line by Line Meaning
Jeremiah was a bullfrog
There was a man named Jeremiah who was very happy and carefree.
Was a good friend of mine
I was friends with him and appreciated his company.
Never understood a single word he said
I had no idea what he was talking about, but it didn't matter because we had a good time together.
But I helped him drink his wine
Even though I didn't understand him, I enjoyed spending time with him and drinking his wine.
Yes he always had some mighty fine wine
Jeremiah had excellent wine that I really enjoyed drinking with him.
Singing joy to the world
I'm singing this song to spread joy to everyone in the world.
All the boys and girls now
Kids and adults alike can enjoy this song and its message.
Joy to the fishes in the deep blue sea
Even the fish in the oceans should be happy and experience joy.
Joy to you and me
This song is meant to bring joy to everyone who hears it, including me and you.
If I were the king of the world
If I had the power to rule the world,
Tell you what I'd do
Here's what I would do:
Throw away the cars and bars and wars
I would get rid of things like cars and buildings that segregate people, as well as wars that cause destruction and suffering.
And make sweet love to you
I would prioritize love and intimacy over everything else.
Yes I'd make sweet love to you
I really mean it - I would choose love above all else.
You know I love the ladies
I enjoy spending time with women and have a deep appreciation for them.
Love to have my fun
I like doing things that make me happy and having a good time.
I'm a high night flyer and a rainbow rider
I'm someone who enjoys living life to the fullest, experiencing new things, and being adventurous.
A straight shootin' son of a gun
I'm honest and straightforward in my personal and professional life.
Joy to the world
The chorus repeats the message of the song - let there be joy in the world!
All the boys and girls
Again, this song is for everyone regardless of age or gender.
Joy to you and me
This song will continue to bring joy to everyone who hears it.
Joy to the fishes in the deep blue sea
The fish will continue to experience joy thanks to this song as well.
Joy to you and me
And once again, everyone who hears this song will feel joy.
Writer(s): Nat King Cole, Edith Bergdahl, Donald King Marrow Copyright: Comet Music Corp., Zfc Music
Contributed by Charlie E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.