(Tempo: 110 BPM. Deep, walking bassline, bright piano chords, and a soulful Hammond B3 organ with a heavy Leslie swirl. Strong backbeat on the 2 and 4.)
(Intro)
(Piano glissando down the keys. The choir hums a low, resonant chord. A deacon-style shout: “I don’t care how long the night’s been, I know a God who keeps His word!”)
(Verse 1)
The shadows gathered round your weary head
Remembering every single word He said
The valley’s deep and the climb is steep
And the promises feel so hard to keep
But the Spirit’s moving in the room right now
Lifting your chin and clearing your brow!
(Pre-Chorus)
(Choir begins to swell, clapping on the offbeat)
Don't you dare give up on the victory
There’s a miracle coming for you and me
The darkness is folding, the stars are gray
Get ready to shout for a brand new day!
(Chorus)
(Full power, rich four-part harmony)
Oh! Joy comes in the morning! (The choir echoes: Yes it does!)
Yeah! Joy comes in the morning! (Brass section: Blap-blap!)
Weeping may endure for a little while
But the King is coming to restore your smile!
Joy! (Joy!) Joy! (Joy!)
It’s coming with the rising sun!
(Verse 2)
Stir up the gift that’s deep inside
There ain't no reason for you to hide
The altar is open, the fire is lit
This ain’t the season for you to quit
He’s turning your mourning into a dance
He’s giving your spirit a second chance!
(Bridge)
(The "Drive" section – drums get faster, bass stays in the pocket)
I see the light! (I see the light!)
Breaking through the dark! (Through the dark!)
I feel the fire! (I feel the fire!)
Kindling in my heart!
(Choir starts a rhythmic chant)
He’s a way-maker! (Morning!)
He’s a heart-fixer! (Morning!)
He’s a mind-regulator! (Morning!)
He’s coming! (He’s coming!)
HE’S HERE!
(Chorus)
Oh! Joy comes in the morning!
Yeah! Joy comes in the morning!
Weeping may endure for a little while
But the King is coming to restore your smile!
(Outro)
(Heavy organ vamping. Lead singer ad-libs over the choir)
Look to the hills! (Joy!)
Your help is coming! (Joy!)
Early in the morning! (Joy!)
Before the dew falls! (Joy!)
(Slower, soulful resolution)
It’s a new day...
And the Lord is good.
(Final big chord on the organ with a shimmering cymbal swell)
AMEN!
Vj45
