1. Home
  2. Education
  3. Music Education

Joy to the World

History of Christmas Carols

By Espie Estrella, About.com

Title: Joy to the World

Author: The lyrics was written by Isaac Watts (1674-1748), also known as the "Father of English Hymnology". Watts wrote the lyrics in 1719. The melody was composed by Lowell Mason (1792-1872), a composer of church music.

Interesting Fact: It is believed that the melody for "Joy to the World" was partly based on the work of George Frideric Handel, specifically the oratorio Messiah.

Lyrics (Excerpt):
Joy to the world, the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing.

Music Sheet: Free sheet music for the clarinet, bass, oboe, flute, violin, trumpet, saxophone and guitar

More Music Education Quick Tips

Explore Music Education

More from About.com

  1. Home
  2. Education
  3. Music Education
  4. Beginner's Guide
  5. Articles and Lessons
  6. Christmas/New Year Articles
  7. Joy to the World - History of Christmas Carols

©2008 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.