I had been very sick for quite a while when I wrote this song to try and cheer myself up a bit. It's really just a simple idea I had when things were not going so well, but I was sure glad my eternity was secure so it all would work out whether I got better or not.

https://soundcloud.com/user-722422510/ive-got-the-joy I've Got The Joy

I don’t drive a new Mercedes or have money pouring in,
people standing in line trying to be my friend.
Don’t have a corner office with my feet up on the desk.
I’m sweeping up the mailroom trying to keep up with the mess.
No crystal chandeliers. No penthouse in the sky.
There’s none of that here, but somehow, I’ll get by.
‘Cause I know that there’s a lot that other folks have got,
but what I’ve got a lot of folks do not.

I’ve got the joy, joy, joy. Got the joy of the Lord in life.
I’ve got the joy, joy, joy. Got the joy of the Lord in life.

And it may happen someday, but it sure ain’t happened yet,
when I cruise around the world in my own private jet.
Won’t have a bank account. Won’t need a credit card
‘cause I’ll have a money tree in the back yard.
If I row my boat with golden oars and know I’m ridin’ high,
or the wolves are howlin’ at the door, don’t know if I’ll survive,
Let me tell you friend, I’ve learned to be content
‘cause I’ve put my faith in him and that’s where I find

I’ve got the joy, joy, joy. Got the joy of the Lord in life.
I’ve got the joy, joy, joy. Got the joy of the Lord.
I’ve got the joy. I’ve got the joy.

So many people seem to be chasing crazy dreams
that never leave them satisfied.
‘Cause they’re always keeping score
with the guy next door when there’s so much more to living life.
Oh but as for me, well I’m a child of the King so no matter what comes my way,
I could be dead broke or rollin’ in the dough. Rich or poor I can say …

I’ve got the joy, joy, joy. Got the joy of the Lord in life.
I’ve got the joy, joy, joy. Got the joy of the Lord.
Oh, I’ve got the joy. I’ve got the joy.

Regardless of the circumstance I’m always safe here in his hands
so everything will be alright.
Through the blessing and the smiles or the heartache and the trials,
I’ll raise my hands and testify
I’ve got the joy, joy, joy. Got the joy of the Lord in life.
I’ve got the joy, joy, joy. Got the joy of the Lord.
Oh, I’ve got the joy. I’ve got the joy.

I’ve got the joy, joy, joy. Got the joy of the Lord in life.
I’ve got the joy, joy, joy. Got the joy of the Lord in life.
Oh, I’ve got the joy. I’ve got the joy.

I'm afraid that my new-nest to production will show on this one. I had laid all the tracks on it except the piano. A friend of mine, Steve Andrews, came in and put that down for me using my Casio keyboard. This was his first time recording. My wife got me BIAB after all that was completed, so I was able to add the fiddle and steel on at that time. So there's a lot going on, and my hard drive went down before I was able to mix it very well. See what you think,

Brad.

The Band:
I did the guitars, drums, bass and vocals.
Steve Andrews on piano.
BIAB steel guitar: Steve Hinson
BIAB fiddle: Rob Jajacos

A lot going on for sure... lots of talent on display.
That said, the mix is a mess, but I'm confident you will
get it all squared away... Fine lyrics and song structure...
You can make it work.

Haha. Bloc-head said it all. Yes, this song really adds joy to the mood, but I'd also like to hear a better mix. Great choices for BiaB to help. Man, this really is a happy song. Enjoyed it, Brad.

Hello Brad
Good song with many arrangements.
Very nice is the piano solo at 2:38
Good work Brad
many greetings
Andi ;-)

A wild ride for sure.

Enjoy the joy ride!

moto

Thanks for the patients and replies, and I apologize for such a terrible sound. I think Marty is right, sometimes you just have to round file something and start over! I don't know how long it will take me to try and re-do this, so I put up another one instead. I will eventually get to it though and hope to resubmit it for comments again. I've listened to a lot of the music you all put out, so I appreciate your skills and am really grateful for your patience, comments and helpful hints. Thanks and apologies again,

Brad

I love that opening guitar bit and your solo.

That's quite a good set of lyrics from start to finish. And you start with a bang: "I don’t drive a new Mercedes or have money pouring in,/people standing in line trying to be my friend."

Good song!

Hey Brad...now that's a mouthful! I don't know how you got all those lyrics in 3 minutes and 37 seconds that would have taken me twice as long that said great song lyrically...The joy of the Lord is our strength and songs about it should be lively and enthusiastic and this is...I love your choice to add the steel and the fiddle...those are always great choices in a country/gospel song.

I do agree that some work on the mix is needed...since you can't remix the original tracks...the steel and fiddle will have to be used with discretion so as not to overload the mix...maybe some post production work on the original track as well...I like the phrases you chose for the fiddle.

Love the stuff you're posting...Dan

This sounds like a great uplifting song and you're a really skilled singer, Brad. I definitely could not go through those lyrics that fast. Keep up the great work!

Hi, Brad.

Despite the issues with the mix, the song comes through. Nice and upbeat, and your vocals are great.

Fun song.

A really nice song.
It has been said that the mix is a bit messy, especially the choruses.
Will definitely improve if you work it out.

Hope you're feeling better now.

Rob and Anne-Marie

It is amazing that you can pack that many words in and not have it sound rushed. Well done with that and the writing of an engaging lyric.

Regarding the mix reducing the compression and or the limiting or anything to give it some headroom would immediately open up the mix and offer you an opp to setup a sound stage with everybody having their spot.

It's a cool song and more than worthy of some tweaking.

We enjoyed it! It's a happy song and we hope it helped you feel better.

J&B

Brad,

Nice tune you have here—really strong and clever write. As others have noted, it's much deserving of a better mix . . . but as it stands it conveys your vision and I’ll look forward to hearing it again when you have the time to refine it a bit.

Hope you are happy and healthy now!

All my best to you,

Deej