Song lyrics to Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring – by Johann Sebastian Bach
Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring (or simply “Joy”) is the most common English title of a piece of music derived from a chorale setting of the cantata Herz und Mund und Tat und Leben, composed by Johann Sebastian Bach in 1723. It is often performed slowly and reverently at wedding ceremonies, as well as during Christian festive seasons like Christmas and Easter.
Jesu, joy of man”s desiring
Holy wisdom, love most bright
Drawn by Thee, our souls aspiring
Soar to uncreated light
Word of God, our flesh that fashioned
With the fire of life impassioned
Striving still to truth unknown
Soaring, dying round Thy throne
Through the way where hope is guiding
Hark, what peaceful music rings
Where the flock, in Thee confiding
Drink of joy from deathless springs
Theirs is beauty”s fairest pleasure
Theirs is wisdom”s holiest treasure
Thou dost ever lead Thine own
In the love of joys unknown