Skip to main content

The Worship Initiative, Shane & Shane - Joy to the World (Joyful, Joyful) (CCM)



The Worship Initiative, Shane & Shane - Joy to the World (Joyful, Joyful)
On Friday, November 11th, The Worship Initiative, Shane & Shane shared new music with their version of the song 'Joy to the World (Joyful, Joyful)'.

'Joy to the World' has been a Christmas tradition since 1719. Isaac Watts wrote the lyrics, and it is still one of the most-published hymns in North America. The song, however, was never intended to be a Christmas carol, as its original version had no such link. It wasn't even meant to be a song!

According to church history, Isaac Watts was one of the most prolific and well-known hymn writers. However, his most famous work, 'Joy to the World,' was inspired by chance rather than desire. Watts published 'The Psalms of David' in 1719, a collection of poems in which each verse was based on a psalm. However, rather than translating the original texts of the 'Old Testament,' he made some minor changes. His poems made more explicit references to Jesus' works, implying a search for inspiration in the New Testament.

Except for the second part of 'Psalm 98,' the majority of the hymns in 'The Psalms of David' have now faded into obscurity. The poet, ironically, had no intention of writing a Christmas carol when he wrote the verse. However, Lowell Mason composed a riveting melody for this second part in 1836, and 'Joy to the World' began its ascent into the musical stratosphere.
 
'Joy to the World' has a somewhat mystical musical origin. Lowell Mason's version, which was the fourth revised interpretation of the carol, is still the most commonly used to this day. Lowell called it 'ANTIOCH,' and the tune is credited to George Frideric Handel. The choruses of Handel's oratorio 'Messiah' bore a passing resemblance to those of 'ANTIOCH.' This musical accompaniment's theme also bore an uncanny resemblance to the orchestral inception of 'Comfort ye,' a recitative.

We are happy to be able to share the lyrics with you.

The official audio can be heard below.

Lyrics:


https://genius.com/The-worship-initiative-and-shane-and-shane-joy-to-the-world-joyful-joyful-lyrics


You can listen to the track on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/6HelJniw8oatMaTxjs2Aya

Here is a link to the video on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=snl_KafJI_o

Would you like to hear more CCM music? Then check out our Christian playlists on: https://www.christiandance.eu/playlists

Tags:

Popular posts

Brandon Lake - Praise You Anywhere (CCM)

'Praise You Anywhere' by Brandon Lake is a powerful anthem that encourages us to turn to praise in every season of life. No matter the circumstances we face, choosing to praise God will shift our perspective and ignite faith within us. The lyrics of the song remind us that in the midst of darkness, fire, and challenges, we can dance, sing, and praise God. We are called to worship even when it doesn't make sense and to boldly face the giants that stand before us. The song emphasizes the power of praising God in the highest, acknowledging His worthiness of all our praise. Brandon Lake's heartfelt message resonates with the reality that there are times when we find ourselves in prisons and battles. However, even in those moments, we can cry out to heaven, stand firm, and worship with our hands held high. The song encourages us to trust that God will bring us through, and in response, we will praise Him anywhere. The bridge of the song beautifully highlights God's faith...
More >>

"Your Love" by Kevin Winebarger - When Mercy Becomes Your Identity

Kevin Winebarger teamed up with Joshua Frerichs and Benji Cowart to create this beautiful song. "Your Love" tackles that discouraging voice we all hear from time to time, the one that whispers that we're not enough and that we are defined by our past. "Once a liar, always a liar," and all kinds of variations along this same line of thought. This song isn't about wallowing in shame. "Your Love" is a celebration of the grace that changes everything.  The opening lines hit hard: "I could believe that I'm not enough // It's clear to see I don't measure up." Yep, we've all been there! But this isn't how God want us to be defined… He loved us first! "It's just what You've done // Because of Your love." That's the heart of everything.  Kevin places the change the God brings into perspective, "I could believe that my mistakes // Will follow me down into the grave // But I'm not who I was....
More >>

'Lonely Dirt Road' by Dax: A Journey to Solitude and God

Dax's 'Lonely Dirt Road' is a conversation that Dax has with himself and God. Dax shares his journey of turning mental health walks into healing solitary drives. As you listen, you can almost feel the cruise, where it's just you, your thoughts, and God.  The chorus is so relatable: 'When I need space, that's where I go, a place to escape that nobody knows.' What do you do when life's pressures stack high? Do you also have a space where you can let go? That lonely dirt road that Dax sings about symbolizes solitude, but it is also an incredible opportunity for connecting with God.  Dax's honesty is raw and relatable. 'I didn't want my family to see me cry… dealing with the pressure of trying to provide.' There are times when we all put on a smile to hide how challenging situations may be. Like his father, Dax says that he finds peace on this lonely road, where challenges become opportunities to grow. This shows the core of our faith: that...
More >>