Album: Burn the Ships (2018)
Charted: 114
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • "Joy." finds the Smallbone brothers urging people to slow down and take time away from their communication devices. Joel Smallbone told Billboard:

    "This song took six months to write, and we wrote it partly here in Nashville, some in England, some in Los Angeles, and it was not a finicky song at all to write, we just have a long process. On the song itself, I think that people are so attached to their phones, screens, social media that you need to pause and see the joy, in human connection and interaction."

    Luke Smallbone added "There's a real beauty in diversity and different opinions. If you can be open and free about it, that's where the joy is."
  • For King & Country are backed on the track by a 100-person choir.
  • The song was co-produced by British singer-songwriter Matt Hales, who records under the moniker of Aqualung. He had a #7 hit in the UK in 2002 with "Strange and Beautiful."

Comments: 4

  • Kelly from NjI absolutely love this song!!! Great dance song!!! They need to make more like this!
  • Carrie from United StatesBest Song 2020!!!!!! PTL
  • Deborah from MoI am totally in love with this upbeat praise and dance song. Addictive!!!
  • Nathan from Fort Wayne, InI love this song it is a great one.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

The Untold Story Of Fiona Apple's Extraordinary Machine

The Untold Story Of Fiona Apple's Extraordinary MachineSong Writing

Fiona's highly-anticipated third album almost didn't make it. Here's how it finally came together after two years and a leak.

Brian Kehew: The Man Behind The Remasters

Brian Kehew: The Man Behind The RemastersSong Writing

Brian has unearthed outtakes by Fleetwood Mac, Aretha Franklin, Elvis Costello and hundreds of other artists for reissues. Here's how he does it.

Glen Phillips of Toad the Wet Sprocket

Glen Phillips of Toad the Wet SprocketSongwriter Interviews

The "All I Want" singer went through a long depression, playing some shows when he didn't want to be alive.

Marvin Gaye

Marvin GayeFact or Fiction

Did Marvin try out with the Detroit Lions? Did he fake crazy to get out of military service? And what about the cross-dressing?

Steve Morse of Deep Purple

Steve Morse of Deep PurpleSongwriter Interviews

Deep Purple's guitarist since 1994, Steve talks about writing songs with the band and how he puts his own spin on "Smoke On The Water."

Songs in Famous Movie Scenes: '80s Edition

Songs in Famous Movie Scenes: '80s EditionMusic Quiz

You know the scenes - Tom Cruise in his own pants-off dance off, Molly Ringwald celebrating her birthday - but do you remember what song is playing?