[2] Van Dyke wrote this poem in 1907 while staying at the home of Williams College president Harry Augustus Garfield.

[3] The lyrics were first published in 1911 in Van Dyke's Book of Poems, Third Edition.

[3] Van Dyke wrote of this hymn: These verses are simple expressions of common Christian feelings and desires in this present time—hymns of today that may be sung together by people who know the thought of the age, and are not afraid that any truth of science will destroy religion, or any revolution on earth overthrow the kingdom of heaven.

[4] Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee God of glory, Lord of love Hearts unfold like flow'rs before Thee Op'ning to the Sun above Melt the clouds of sin and sadness drive the dark of doubt away Giver of immortal gladness fill us with the light of day All Thy works with joy surround Thee Earth and heav'n reflect Thy rays Stars and angels sing around Thee center of unbroken praise Field and forest, vale and mountain Flow'ry meadow, flashing sea chanting[a] bird and flowing fountain call us to rejoice in Thee Thou art giving and forgiving ever blessing, ever blest well-spring of the joy of living ocean-depth of happy rest Thou the [b] Father, Christ our Brother— all who live in love are Thine Teach us how to love each other lift us to the Joy Divine Mortals join the mighty[c] chorus which the morning stars began Father-love[d] is reigning o'er us brother-love binds man to man.

[e] Ever singing, march we onward victors in the midst of strife joyful music lifts us sunward