Lyrics
Verse 1
I've got joy in the morning
Joy in the evening
You keep me dancing
In every season
Whatever comes tomorrow
Chorus
Why would I not sing of Your praises
Even when troubles come?
Why would I not worship forever
'Cause I've seen the good You've done?
And I'm not ashamed
I'm a sinner saved
No, I'm not afraid anymore
What the world calls foolish
You call freedom
No, I won't go back anymore
Chorus
I've got joy in the morning
Joy in the evening
You keep me dancing
In every season
Whatever comes tomorrow
I've got joy
Verse 2
I'm letting go
I'm walking in Your presence
Dance 'til the sun comes up
You make me strong
Whenever I praise You
Jesus, You fill my cup
Chorus
And I'm not ashamed
I'm a sinner saved
No, I'm not afraid anymore
What the world calls foolish
You call freedom
No, I won't go back anymore
I've got joy in the morning
Joy in the evening
You keep me dancing
In every season
Whatever comes tomorrow
I've got joy
Bridge
Joy in the sunshine
Joy in the rain
You keep me dancing again and again
Whatever comes tomorrow
I've got joy
Bridge
We got the joy
We got the joy
Chorus
I've got joy, joy, joy
Down in my heart I've got
Joy, joy, joy
Down in my heart, hallelujah
I've got joy, joy, joy
Down in my heart I've got
Joy, joy, joy
Down in my heart, hallelujah
I've got joy in the morning
Joy in the evening
You keep me dancing
In every season
Whatever comes tomorrow
I've got joy
Bridge
Joy in the sunshine
Joy in the rain
You keep me dancing again and again
Whatever comes tomorrow
I've got joy
Bridge
I've got joy, joy, joy
Down in my heart I've got
Joy, joy, joy
Down in my heart, hallelujah
I've got joy, joy, joy
Down in my heart, hallelujah
I've got joy in the morning
Video
Meaning & Inspiration
“Joy (What The World Calls Foolish)” presents Christian joy as a steady response to God’s goodness rather than a feeling limited to easy circumstances. Morning, evening, sunshine, rain, and whatever tomorrow brings all become settings for praise. The singer’s freedom is tied to salvation, expressed in the confession of being a sinner saved and no longer ruled by shame or fear.
The song also treats worship as an embodied response. Dancing, singing, walking in God’s presence, and receiving strength through praise give its joy an active character. The contrast between what the world calls foolish and what God calls freedom recalls the biblical theme that God’s wisdom may appear foolish by ordinary standards. Repeated lines about joy “down in my heart” reinforce the song’s simple declaration: trouble may come, but the good God has already done provides a reason to continue worshiping with confidence.
Related Scripture
- Philippians 4:4 Paul calls for continual rejoicing in the Lord.
- 1 Corinthians 1:27 God chooses what the world considers foolish to confound worldly wisdom.
- Habakkuk 3:17-18 The prophet resolves to rejoice in God even when circumstances are difficult.