PagineJoy to the World is a 1719 Christmas carol that begins “Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Let earth receive her King…”. Below are the full public-domain lyrics to print and sing, links to free sheet music, its history and fun actions for kids.
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.
Joy to the earth, the Saviour reigns!
Let men their songs employ;
While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat, repeat the sounding joy.
He rules the world with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove
The glories of his righteousness,
And wonders of his love,
And wonders of his love,
And wonders, wonders of his love.
Joy to the World · words: Isaac Watts (1719), based on Psalm 98 · music: Arranged by Lowell Mason (“Antioch”) · public domain · printed from pagineapp.com
Full hymn and choir arrangements of Joy to the World are free because the song is in the public domain. Download them from these non-profit libraries:
Joy to the World was written by the English hymn writer Isaac Watts in 1719, based on Psalm 98. The tune most people sing (“Antioch”) was arranged by the American music educator Lowell Mason in the 19th century.
Raise your arms high on “Joy to the world!”.
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The words are by Isaac Watts (1719), based on Psalm 98 and the music is by Arranged by Lowell Mason (“Antioch”); it dates from 1719.
Yes. Joy to the World is in the public domain, so the lyrics on this page are free to print and sing at home, school or church.
Joy to the World is a good fit for children aged 4+. Try the actions on this page to keep little ones singing along.
🗓️ Updated October 2026