<Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> Performances of Chorale from BWV 147, "Jesus bleibet meine Freude" (Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring) Performed in 1935 by Orchestre symphonique de Paris (3: 35) Performed by Orchestra Gli Armonici (3: 22) Piano, organ, some bells and harps (3: 13) Harpsichord, violin, viola, cello (2: 39) </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Td_colspan="2"> Problems playing these files? See media help . </Td> </Tr> <P> Jesu, joy of man's desiring, Holy wisdom, love most bright; Drawn by Thee, our souls aspiring Soar to uncreated light . Word of God, our flesh that fashioned, With the fire of life impassioned, Striving still to truth unknown, Soaring, dying round Thy throne . Through the way where hope is guiding, Hark, what peaceful music rings; Where the flock, in Thee confiding, Drink of joy from deathless springs . Theirs is beauty's fairest pleasure; Theirs is wisdom's holiest treasure . Thou dost ever lead Thine own In the love of joys unknown . </P> <P> Jahn's verses express a close, friendly, and familiar friendship with Jesus, who gives life to the poet . It has been noted that the original German hymn was characteristically a lively hymn of praise, which is carried over somewhat into Bach's arrangement; whereas a slower, more stately tempo is traditionally used with the English version . </P>

Lyrics of jesu joy of man's desiring by bach