I've Got the Joy, Joy, Joy, Joy

This is a children's song about the joy of knowing Jesus. The words are based on 1 Peter 1:8. Alternative titles include "Joy in My Heart", "I've got That Joy" - the latter being more common in countries which use UK rather than US spellings/grammar.

There are also a number of variations on the words, and a semi-chorus (the words vary slightly according to the verse contents) has been added at some point - the author and composer of this are unknown.

The words and tune were written by English-born American immigrant and Methodist evangelist, George William Cooke (1884-1951).

Copyrighted in the USA was first registered in 1926 but not subsequently renewed. These timings mean that from the end of 2022, the song is no longer copyright in most if not all English-speaking countries.

Downloads

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PowerPoint slides

Downloadable easy piano arrangement

Downloadable SATB choir arrangement

Examples

Children's group with band:

Upbeat band recording:

Gentle children's recording:

Trio with actions:

Instrumental - piano:

Lyrics

1 I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy,
Down in my heart,
Down in my heart,
Down in my heart;
I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy,
Down in my heart,
Down in my heart to stay.

Chorus:

I feel so happy, so very happy,

I've got the joy down in my heart:

I feel so happy, so very happy,

I've got the joy of Jesus in my heart:

2 I've got the peace that passeth understanding,
Down in my heart,
Down in my heart,
Down in my heart;
I've got the peace that passeth understanding,
Down in my heart,
Down in my heart to stay.

3 I've got the love of Jesus, love of Jesus,
Down in my heart,
Down in my heart,
Down in my heart;
I've got the love of Jesus, love of Jesus,
Down in my heart,
Down in my heart to stay.

4 For there is therefore now no condemnation,
Down in my heart,
Down in my heart,
Down in my heart;
For there is therefore now no condemnation,
Down in my heart,
Down in my heart to stay.