Lyrics
Verse 1
Sing o barren, though your dream has not yet come
Fill the air with songs
Break out with singing
Burst out rejoicing
Your promise is coming, yeah
Verse 2
Oh, though things may not go right
Let nothing surprise you
God dey your side
Unawe
He will not forsake you
Angeke akushiye futhi
And he will never leave you
Unqontshelwe wena
He has won the victory for you
Chorus
Smile for joy
Ungonqobile
Smile for joy
Ungonqobile
Smile for joy
Ungothandiwe
Smile for joy
Cos the victory is on the way
And the blessing won't delay
It won't delay o
Bridge
Burst out singing, burst out singing (Singing)
Joy is calling, joy is calling (Calling)
No more dulling, no more dulling (Dulling)
Break out dancing, break out dancing
Tujuka, tujuka o (Cheer up)
Ma se beru, ma se foya (Fear not, be not afraid)
Tujuka, tujuka o (Cheer up)
Ma se beru o (Fear not)
Verse 3
Tujuka, onigbagbo rerin ayo (Faithful one, Smile for joy)
Ko ma si aye fun idamu o (Give no room to Anxiety)
A ti ko oruko re s'iwe aseyege (Your name is written in the book of life)
Kon duro, ko korin, ko rerin ayo (Stand, sing and smile for joy)
Chorus
Smile for joy
Ungonqobile
Smile for joy
Ungonqobile
Smile for joy
Ungothandiwe
Smile for joy
Cos the victory is on the way
And the blessing won't delay
It won't delay o
Outro
Smile for joy
Ungonqobile
Smile for joy
Ungonqobile
Smile for joy
Ungothandiwe
Smile for joy
Cos the victory is on the way
And the blessing won't delay
It won't delay o
Video
Meaning & Inspiration
“Smile for Joy” answers disappointment with hope rooted in God’s presence and victory. Its opening invitation for the barren to sing closely echoes Isaiah 54, where rejoicing begins before the promised change is visible. The multilingual verses widen that encouragement through declarations that God is near, does not forsake his people, and has secured victory. Joy is therefore presented not as denial of difficulty but as confidence while a promise is still awaited.
Commands to sing, dance, reject fear, and make no room for anxiety give the song an active, communal character. The chorus links smiling with being victorious and loved, while the later verse grounds confidence in belonging to God and having a name written in the book of life. Philippians 4:4-7 provides a fitting parallel for the movement from anxiety toward rejoicing and prayer. Across its repeated phrases, the lyric treats joy as a faithful response to God’s care, even when circumstances have not yet changed.
Related Scripture
- Isaiah 54:1 The prophet calls the barren woman to sing and rejoice before her children appear.
- Hebrews 13:5 God’s promise not to leave or forsake his people supports the song’s assurance.
- Philippians 4:4-7 Paul joins rejoicing in the Lord with freedom from anxiety through prayer.