The History and Meaning of “Joy to the World” by Isaac Watts
“Joy to the World” is an English Christmas carol. It was written in 1719 by the English minister and hymnist Isaac Watts, who is related to a friend of the author. It is usually sung to an 1848 arrangement by the composer Lowell Mason, which is actually attributed to George Frideric Handel, the famous composer you have certainly heard of.
The hymn’s lyrics are a Christian interpretation, by Watts, of the Biblical Psalm 98 and Genesis 3. This is an important fact, as Watt’s spin on things influences the lyrics he chose. Since the last century, “Joy to the World” has been the most-published Christmas carol in North America, quite an accomplishment. As of December 2009, it was published in 1,387 hymnals in North America. Is this your favorite Christmas Carol?
“Joy to the World” Explanation
“Joy to the World” was published way back in 1719 under the title that is unrelated to the current title, “The Messiah’s Coming and Kingdom,” in Watts’s collection The Psalms of David: Imitated in the Language of the New Testament. It is a little dismaying that the song was not originally entitled “Joy to the World.” In the collection, Watts (this is an example of his spin on things) claims that Psalms 96-98 refer to “Christ’s Incarnation, his setting up his Gospel-Kingdom to judge or rule the Gentiles, and the Judgment and Destruction of the Heathen Idols.” He seemed to judge others against the tenets of Christianity.
In the first two stanzas of “Joy to the World,” Watts writes of heaven and earth rejoicing at the coming of the King. In the third stanza, the song alludes to Genesis 3:17–19 and writes of Christ’s blessings extending victoriously over sin. The cheerful repetition of the phrase “far as the curse is found” has caused this stanza to be removed from some hymnals. Stanza four talks of Christ’s rule over the nations. He is king, after all, according to many, including Watts.
The music used today for “Joy to the World” is from an 1848 edition by Lowell Mason. Mason was, by that time, a well-known composer of the time. He wrote, for example, “Nearer my God to Thee.” Mason’s 1848 publication of the current tune was the fourth version to have been published. The tune has been attributed to being from Handel, the famous composer. Thus, that he “borrowed” the music is surprising.
In fact, the first four notes of “Joy to the World” are the same as the first four notes in the chorus “Lift Up Your Heads” from Handel’s Messiah. In the third line, the same as found in another Messiah piece, “Comfort Ye.” As a result, and with Mason’s attribution to Handel, there has been some speculation over how much of a part Handel’s Messiah had in “Joy to the World.” At the very least, Handel’s music greatly influenced the music Mason chose.
Isaac Watts
Isaac Watts was born on July 17, 1674, and he died on November 25, 1748. Watts was a minister, hymn writer (obviously), theologian, and logician. A jack of all trades, so to speak. He wrote many hymns, and it is thought he wrote more than 750. Some of his more noteworthy works include “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross,” “Joy to the World,” and “O God, Our Help in Ages Past.”
Watts has several hymnals found in churches worldwide. He is called the “Godfather of English Hymnody.” As evidence, many of his hymns have been translated into several languages. Watts was born in Southampton, Hampshire, England. He was a child prodigy and showed a talent for rhythming at an early age, so it is not at all surprising that he went on to write several noteworthy hymns.
Watts lived at Abney Hall in Stoke Newington all the way until his death in 1748. He lived in the same place his entire life. He was buried in Bunhill Fields, and his grave has become a popular tourist destination. He left hymnals full of songs. He also wrote treatises, educational works, and essays. His work is still influential.
Conclusion
“Joy to the World” is a popular English hymn that was written by Isaac Watts. The tune is especially well-suited for the post-Christmas season, when the birth of Christ heralds a new era for all people. This is just one of the tunes written by prolific hymnist Watts. He wrote many; however, one could argue that this was his most successful song.
