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English Adaptation by Wordsmith

Baltimore Symphony Orchestra

Baltimore-based rapper and musician Wordsmith created an original adaptation of “Ode to Joy” for the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra’s All Together performances.

‘“Ode to Joy’ represents such an inspirational body of work. It has shown up in music classes around the world, in churches, and even in the form of Christmas carols over the years. Keeping this in mind, my main focus was to keep the original themes of peace, freedom, and triumph intact while using present-day social issues to highlight the need for positive reinforcement. Encouraging gender equality, cultural acceptance, and living a purpose-driven life are worldly topics I sought to shine a light on during the writing process.” —Wordsmith

“Ode to Joy”

Triumph! (Triumph)
Rejoice! (Rejoice)

Bass Solo

Live and love with open mind let our cultures intertwine.
Dig deep down, show what you’re made of, set the tone it’s time to shine.
We must fight for equal rights and share some common courtesy.
While pursuing all your dreams spread your joy from sea to sea.

Chorus

We must fight for equal rights and share some common courtesy.
While pursuing all your dreams spread your joy from sea to sea.

Soli

Lift your spirit high to the heavens, take those blessings, live happily.
Family, friends share your opinion, push for gender equality.
Be yourself don’t judge too quick receive one another with open arms.
Oh this is our chance to unite, spread some genuine joy and charm.

Chorus

Be yourself don’t judge too quick receive one another with open arms.
Oh this is our chance to unite, spread some genuine joy and charm.

Soli

Every soul unique with gifts shares their talents endlessly;
Good and Bad days follow paths of hope and cosmic harmony.
Give us comfort plus well-being, friends and family smiling broad
We desire a life of bliss and an angel’s love from GOD!

Chorus

Give us comfort plus well-being, friends and family smiling broad
We desire a life of bliss and an angel’s love from GOD!
And an angel’s love from GOD!
Love from GOD!
From GOD!

Tenor Solo

Joy, feels like a victory,
Let’s celebrate this joyous day!
Brothers, sisters equally say:
“Together we can make hate history!”

Chorus

Live and love with open mind let our cultures intertwine.
Dig deep down, show what you’re made of, set the tone it’s time to shine.
We must fight for equal rights and share some common courtesy.
While pursuing all your dreams spread your joy from sea to sea.
We must fight for equal rights and share some common courtesy.
While pursuing all your dreams spread your joy from sea to sea.

Stay the course and find your purpose;
All reveals itself in time.
Triumphant each and every climb,
Face your fears with brave-hearted verses.

Now there’s peace here, peace with harm’ny,
Positive vibes for an ode to joy!
Rise, oh rise, be the voice of change,
We must show more empathy.

“Ode to Joy” Texts and Translations

Original German Text by Friedrich Schiller

 

Standard English Translation

Portuguese Translation by Arthur Nestrovski

São Paulo Symphony Orchestra
São Paulo, Brazil

English Adaptation by Anthony Anaxagorou

Southbank Centre
London, United Kingdom

English Adaptation by Wordsmith

Baltimore Symphony Orchestra
Baltimore, United States

Chinese Translation by Deng Yingyi

China NCPA Orchestra and Chorus
Beijing, China

English Adaptation by Tracy K. Smith

Carnegie Hall
New York City, United States

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