Isaac Watts was a renowned hymnwriter whose songs profoundly changed the face of church music.
He wrote over 750 hymns, including well-known ones like Joy to the World and When I Survey the Wondrous Cross.
His music stood out because it was easy to sing and filled with deep meaning. People of all ages could connect with his words.
Though he lived in the 1700s, his songs are still sung in churches today.
Watts did not win formal awards in his time, but his lasting impact and wide recognition make him one of the most honored figures in Christian music history.
About the Hymn
Joy to the World is a bright and uplifting hymn that celebrates happiness, peace, and hope. The lyrics invite everyone to sing with joy and welcome the coming of a Savior.
It speaks of a world filled with love and fairness. The music and words together create a warm, cheerful feeling that brings people together in celebration.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Released date | Written in 1719 |
| Writer | Isaac Watts |
| Producer | Lowell Mason |
Complete Lyrics of Joy to the World by Issac Watts
Verse 1
Joy to the world! The Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room,
And heaven and nature sing,
And heaven and nature sing,
And heaven, and heaven, and nature sing.
Verse 2
Joy to the earth! The Savior reigns!
Let men their songs employ;
While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy.
Verse 3
No more let sins and sorrows grow,
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make His blessings flow
Far as the curse is found,
Far as the curse is found,
Far as, far as, the curse is found.
Verse 4
He rules the world with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders, wonders, of His love.
Other Versions of Joy to the World
Some other versions include Pentatonix’s lively a cappella take with layered vocals and energy, and Three Dog Night’s fun rock hit, which shares the title but has an entirely different theme.
1. Pentatonix
Pentatonix gives the song a bold and modern sound using only their voices. Their version is fast-paced, full of harmony, and brings a festive energy that appeals to today’s audiences.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Release Date | Oct. 30, 2015 |
| Album | White Christmas |
| Writers | Isaac Watts, Lowell Mason, George Frideric Handel |
| Producers | Pentatonix, Ben Bram |
Joy to the World lyrics by Pentatonix
Intro: All
Joy to the world
Joy to the world
Verse 1: Scott
Joy to the World, the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King
Let every heart prepare Him room
And Heaven and nature sing
And Heaven and nature sing
And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing
Refrain: All
Joy to the world
Joy to the world
Verse 2: Kirstin
Joy to the World, the Savior reigns!
Let men their songs employ
While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains
Repeat the sounding joy
Repeat the sounding joy
Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy
Bridge: All
Joy to the world, now we sing
Let the earth receive her king
Joy to the world, now we sing
Let the angel voices ring
Joy to the world, now we sing
Let men their songs employ
Joy to the world, now we sing
Repeat the sounding joy
Verse 3: Avi, Mitch
He rules the world with truth and grace
And makes the nations prove
The light of His righteousness
And wonders of His love
And wonders of His love
And wonders of His love
And wonders, wonders, of His love
And wonders, wonders, of His love
Outro: All
Joy to the world, now we sing
Let the earth receive her king
Joy to the world, now we sing
Let the angel voices ring
2. Three Dog Night
Although it shares the same title, this version is an entirely different song. It’s a lively 1970s rock hit best known for the fun line, Jeremiah was a bullfrog.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Released Date | November 18, 1970 |
| Album | Celebrate: The Three Dog Night Story, 1965-1975 |
| Writer | Hoyt Axton |
| Producer | Richard Podolor |
Joy to the World lyrics by Three Dog Night
Verse 1
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’
Chorus
Joy to the world
All the boys and girls, now
Joy to the fishes in the deep blue sea
Joy to you and me
Verse 2
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 wars
Make sweet love to you
Sing it now
Chorus
(Joy) to the world
(All) the boys and girls
Joy to the fishes in the deep blue sea
(Joy to you and me)
Verse 3
You know I love the ladies
Love to have my fun
I’m a high night flier and a rainbow rider (ha ha ha)
And a straight-shooting son of a gun (alright)
I said a straight shootin’ (son of a gun)
Chorus
(Joy to the world)
(All the boys and girls)
(Joy to the fishes in the deep blue sea)
(Joy to you and me)
Chorus
(Joy to the world)
(All the boys and girls)
(Joy to the fishes in the deep blue sea)
(Joy to you and me)
Bridge
(Joy to the world)
(All the boys and girls)
(Joy to the world)
(Joy to you and me)
Chorus
(Joy to the world)
(All the boys and girls) now
(Joy to the fishes in the deep blue sea)
(Joy to you and me)
Ahhhh yeah!
Chorus
(Joy to the world) yeah YEAH!
(All the boys and girls) Yowwwww
(Joy to the fishes in the deep blue sea)
(Joy to you and me)
You know I mean to
Chorus
(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)
You know I mean to
Chorus
(Joy to the world) You know I mean to
(All the boys and girls) Yeah yeah
(Joy to the fishes in the deep blue sea)
(Joy to you and me) Wahhh yeah
Outro
(Joy to the world) Let me tell ya ’bout it
(All the boys and girls)
Similar Songs Like Joy to the World
If you enjoy the uplifting and timeless feel of Joy to the World, there are several other classic hymns and Christmas carols you might love just as much:
- Hark! The Herald Angels Sing: This carol brings bright energy with its joyful melody and powerful lyrics.
- O Come, All Ye Faithful: This traditional hymn invites worship with bold and emotional verses.
- Angels We Have Heard on High: Known for its soaring Gloria chorus, this song blends beauty and joy.
- O Holy Night: A beloved carol that combines grace and power, starting softly and building to a moving climax.
Similar Songwriters Like Issac Watts
These writers and composers shared a deep focus on faith, scripture, and congregational singing:
- Charles Wesley
Genre: Hymn / Worship
Top Albums: Hark! The Herald Angels Sing (Collected), Christ the Lord Is Risen Today (Collected) - John Newton
Genre: Hymn / Gospel
Top Albums: Amazing Grace (Collected), Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken (Collected) - Frances Ridley Havergal
Genre: Hymn / Worship
Top Albums: Take My Life and Let It Be (Collected), Like a River Glorious (Collected) - Fanny Crosby
Genre: Gospel / Hymn
Top Albums: Blessed Assurance (Collected), Safe in the Arms of Jesus (Collected) - Philip P. Bliss
Genre: Gospel / Hymn
Top Albums: Almost Persuaded (Collected), Count Your Blessings (Collected)
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Joy to the World Considered Controversial?
Watts adapted psalms to Christian beliefs, which some felt was too bold for traditional worship at the time.
What does Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room Mean?
It means every person should make space in their life for Christ’s presence and love.
Are there Other Tunes for Joy to the World?
No widely known alternatives exist; most versions use Lowell Mason’s classic melody.
Is Joy to the World Only a Christmas Song?
No, it was not written for Christmas, but its joyful message made it a holiday favorite.
