Lyrics
Verse 1
In the valley of the shadow
I got a feeling it's season that'll make me grow
I'm still breathing I got praise in my lungs
Inquiring my soul
Chorus
Can't steal my joy
Can't steal my joy
What the world couldn't give no it can't take away
Sorrow may come but it can't… steal my joy
Can't steal my joy
Verse 2
In the high highs, in the low lows
You fill my cup, you fill it up until it overflows
I remember I'll keep holding on to hope
Cause you're the king of rolling stones
Chorus (Repeat)
Can't steal my joy
Can't steal my joy (no no no no)
What the world couldn't give no it can't take away
Sorrow may come but it can't… steal my joy (no no no no)
Can't steal my joy (wa oh oh oh)
Can't steal my joy (wa oh oh oh)
Can't steal my joy joy joy
Bridge (x2)
Down in my heart, down in my soul, deep in my bones
I got the joy, joy, joy
I can't contain, nothing can quiet my praise
I got the joy, joy, joy,
Chorus (Repeat)
Can't steal my joy
Can't steal my joy
Can't steal my joy
Can't steal my joy (no no no no)
What the world couldn't give no it can't take away
Sorrow may come but it can't…steal my joy (no no no no)
Can't steal my joy
Outro
(You fill my cup, you fill it up, until it overflows) (wa oh oh oh)
(You fill my cup, you fill it up)
Can't steal my joy
Video
Meaning & Inspiration
“Can’t Steal My Joy” by Josiah Queen is an upbeat declaration that joy does not depend on circumstances. The opening verse places the singer in the valley of the shadow, still breathing and with praise in his lungs, and the chorus answers sorrow directly: what the world could not give, it cannot take away.
The second verse widens the picture to the high highs and the low lows, with the line that God fills the cup until it overflows. The singer says he will keep holding on to hope. The bridge moves to a physical image, with joy down in the heart, soul and bones, and a praise that nothing can quiet.
The imagery is close to Psalm 23:4-5, which mentions the valley of the shadow and a cup that overflows, and to John 16:22, where Jesus says no one will take joy from His followers. Nehemiah 8:10 also says the joy of the Lord is strength. The song is simple and repetitive, built so a congregation can sing the claim together.
Related Scripture
- Psalm 23:4-5 The valley of the shadow and a cup that overflows
- John 16:22 No one will take your joy from you
- Nehemiah 8:10 The joy of the Lord is your strength