The Seven Joys of Mary

By Traditional English Carol

Lyrics

1. The first good joy that Mary had,
It was the joy of one;
To see the blessed Jesus Christ
When He was first her son:

Chorus:
When He was first her son, good man:
And blessed may He be,
Both Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,
To all eternity.

2. The next good joy that Mary had,
It was the joy of two;
To see her own son, Jesus Christ
To make the lame to go:

Chorus:
To make the lame to go, good man:
And blessed may He be,
Both Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,
To all eternity.

3. The next good joy that Mary had,
It was the joy of three;
To see her own son, Jesus Christ
To make the blind to see;

Chorus:
To make the blind to see, good man:
And blessed may He be,
Both Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,
To all eternity.

4. The next good joy that Mary had,
It was the joy of four;
To see her own son, Jesus Christ
To read the Bible o'er:

Chorus:
To read the Bible o'er, good man:
And blessed may He be,
Both Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,
To all eternity.

5. The next good joy that Mary had,
It was the joy of five;
To see her own son, Jesus Christ
To bring the dead alive:

Chorus:
To bring the dead alive, good man:
And blessed may He be,
Both Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,
To all eternity.

6. The next good joy that Mary had,
It was the joy of six;
To see her own son, Jesus Christ
Upon the crucifix:

Chorus:
Upon the crucifx, good man:
And blessed may He be,
Both Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,
To all eternity.

7. The next good joy that Mary had,
It was the joy of seven;
To see her own son, Jesus Christ
To wear the crown of heaven:

Chorus;
To wear the crown of heaven, good man,
And blessed may He be,
Both Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,
To all eternity.

Bible Reference

Luke 1:46–47

About This Hymn

“The Seven Joys of Mary” is a traditional English carol that traces its roots to medieval devotional practices that honored the Virgin Mary. The song highlights seven key events in the life of Mary and her Son, Jesus Christ, which brought her joy. These joys often include the Annunciation, the Nativity, the Adoration of the Magi, the Resurrection, the Ascension, the Pentecost, and the Assumption, though variations exist depending on regional tradition and denominational practice.

The carol is written in a simple, folk-like style, often sung responsively with alternating verses and refrains. Its repetitive structure made it accessible to congregations and ensured its survival in oral tradition over many centuries. By focusing on Mary’s joy, the hymn offers worshippers a way to reflect on the blessings of Christ’s life and ministry through the perspective of His mother.

Over time, “The Seven Joys of Mary” has appeared in many collections of carols and has been arranged musically by both classical and folk composers. It remains especially popular in England and Ireland, where it is often performed at Christmas services and carol festivals. The enduring appeal of the carol lies in its combination of simplicity, historical depth, and its connection to Marian devotion within the Christian tradition.