Joy

"Joy" is a song by Howard Swanson setting the poetry of Langston Hughes. Howard Swanson and Langston Hughes were friends and collaborators during the Harlem Renaissance.

Date: 1946Composer: Howard SwansonText: Langston Hughes

Print vitals & song text

Text

Joy
by Langston Hughes

I went to look for Joy,
Slim, dancing Joy,
Gay, laughing Joy,
Bright-eyed Joy–
And I found her
Driving the butcher’s cart
In the arms of the butcher boy!
Such company, such company,
As keeps this young nymph, Joy!

–The Collected Poems of Langston Hughes, p. 63

Related Information

Support us and help us grow

Dear friends, Thank you for helping us build a comprehensive online archive of American song. Your gift is greatly appreciated.