Three Dog Night – Joy to the World

About The Song

“Joy to the World,” often recognized by its opening line “Jeremiah was a bullfrog,” is a cheerful, feel-good track by American rock band Three Dog Night. Written by Hoyt Axton, the song was first featured on the band’s fourth studio album, Naturally, released in November 1970. A radio edit of the track was later released as a single in February 1971, and it went on to become one of the biggest and most recognizable hits of the early ’70s.

The creation of the song has an interesting backstory. Axton originally wrote it for a children’s television cartoon that never came to fruition. With lyrics that were initially deemed “silly” or “nonsense,” the band wasn’t sure if they should record it. However, Chuck Negron, one of the lead vocalists, saw the song’s lighthearted spirit as something the world needed at the time. The final recording included all seven members of the group contributing vocals, making it one of the rare tracks where the entire band sang together, creating a sense of unity and unrestrained fun.

The lyrics themselves are famously whimsical and surreal. With lines like “Joy to the fishes in the deep blue sea, joy to you and me,” the song doesn’t aim to tell a coherent story but rather to evoke a sense of universal happiness. The character Jeremiah the bullfrog was never meant to be symbolic, yet he’s become an iconic figure thanks to the song’s widespread appeal. The song’s simplicity and infectious chorus turned it into an anthem of joy, celebrated by listeners across all ages.

Commercially, “Joy to the World” was a massive success. It topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart in April 1971 and remained there for six straight weeks. It became Billboard’s number-one pop single for the entire year and achieved Gold certification by the RIAA within two months of release. The song also reached number one in Canada and charted in the top ten in multiple countries including Australia and South Africa. With over five million copies sold worldwide, it solidified Three Dog Night’s status as one of the era’s dominant pop-rock acts.

Hoyt Axton’s success with “Joy to the World” was particularly meaningful because it completed a family legacy. His mother, Mae Axton, had co-written Elvis Presley’s iconic hit “Heartbreak Hotel.” Their combined contributions to American pop music history made them the first mother-son duo to each write a number-one hit on the Billboard charts—an extraordinary feat in the songwriting world.

“Joy to the World” has enjoyed a lasting presence in pop culture. It has been featured in numerous films and TV shows, including Forrest Gump, Friends, and The X-Files. Its jubilant tone makes it a frequent choice for soundtracks and nostalgic moments. The song has also been covered by several artists over the decades, including Little Richard, Lynn Anderson, and Conway Twitty. Hoyt Axton even recorded his own version after the Three Dog Night release, reinforcing his personal connection to the hit.

Decades after its release, “Joy to the World” still stands as a feel-good classic, representing an era of optimism and togetherness. For Three Dog Night, it was a defining moment—proof that a simple, joyful tune could rise to the top of the charts and leave a lasting legacy. With 21 consecutive Top 40 hits and a distinctive sound built from diverse songwriters and styles, the band’s contribution to American rock history remains unforgettable.

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Lyric

Jeremiah was a bullfrog
Was a good friend of mine
I never understood a single word he said
But I helped him drink his wine

And he always had some mighty fine wine
Singin’ joy to the world
All the boys and girls now
Joy to the fishes in the deep blue sea
Joy to you and me

If I were the king of the world
I tell you what I’d do
I’d throw away the cars and the bars and the war
Make sweet love to you

Singin’ joy to the world
All the boys and girls
Joy to the fishes in the deep blue sea
Joy to you and me

(Instrumental break)

You know I love the ladies
Love to have my fun
I’m a high-life flyer and a rainbow rider
A straight shootin’ son-of-a-gun

I said a straight shootin’ son-of-a-gun
Singin’ joy to the world
All the boys and girls
Joy to the fishes in the deep blue sea
Joy to you and me