Lyrics
Verse
There's beauty in my brokenness,
I've got true love instead of pain
There's freedom though you've captured me,
I've got joy instead of mourning
Chorus (x2)
You give me joy
Down deep in my soul (x3)
Bridge
I never been so free
Caught in your love for me
I never been more secure
Knowing your heart, Lord
Video
Meaning & Inspiration
“Joy” by Vashawn Mitchell is a short gospel song about finding gladness in the middle of pain. It begins with a contrast: there is beauty in brokenness, true love instead of pain, freedom even when captured, and joy instead of mourning. Each line sets what the singer has received against what might be expected.
The chorus is a simple, repeated thanksgiving. “You give me joy, down deep in my soul” is sung again and again, which places the source of joy in God and the place of joy deep inside, not on the surface. The bridge adds that the singer has never been so free, caught up in God’s love, and never more secure in knowing His heart.
The themes are close to Isaiah 61:3, which speaks of the oil of joy for mourning, and Psalm 30:11, where mourning is turned into dancing. John 15:11 also speaks of Christ’s joy being in His followers. The song is easy to learn and made for congregational repetition.
Related Scripture
- Isaiah 61:3 The oil of joy for mourning
- Psalm 30:11 Mourning turned into dancing
- John 15:11 Christ’s joy remaining in His followers