Joy

“Joy” was inspired by the word Joy. I decided to write lyrics and accompaniment that really captured this word and highlighted the importance of finding joy in the little things in life. The lyrics and music speak to this message as well as to the idea of appreciating the people around you and the love that surrounds each and every one of us. The chorus expresses this meaning through the lyrics “Oh, today’s my own bright light / Oh, today makes it right.” These are simple yet hopeful lyrics. I enjoyed writing a song as uplifting as “Joy” because much of my music tends to be about sad or introspective topics. “Joy” was a refreshing and “joyful” piece to write. 

​

I approached the songwriting process for “Joy” differently than I have approached past songs. For this piece, I wrote the lyrics first and then created a melody and chord structure to accompany the words at the piano. Once I had the lyrics and basic chords for the piece, I turned to my computer and began finalizing the instrumentation as well as adding additional lines and melodies. I created a harmony for the vocal part that is sung during the chorus and some verses, as well as an additional melody line in the piano. I decided to put the main harmonic structure in marimba or vibraphone and also added a drum line for the piece. As demonstrated, this piece took various different forms, first with just pen and paper, then at the piano, and finally using my computer and digital audio workspace. I think that this process helped to bring “Joy” to its finalized form.