[Verse 1] All the people gather as one man in the street before the water gate. Ezra brings the law before men, women, and all able to understand. Ezra reads from morning until midday. A wooden pulpit elevates Ezra above the gathered people. [Pre-Chorus] The long night ended, fear released its hold, And every household heard the story told. [Chorus] The Joy of the LORD Is Your Strength, let the feast begin, Joy returned where grief and fear had been. The people sang because the word held true, And every generation learned what God could do. [Verse 2] Ezra blesses the great God. The people answer Amen with lifted hands. They bow with faces to the ground in worship. The law is read distinctly, and the sense is given. [Bridge] The people weep when they hear the words of the law. They are told to eat the fat, drink the sweet. The joy of the LORD is named as their strength. The people depart with great mirth because they understand the words. [Final Chorus] The Joy of the LORD Is Your Strength, let the feast begin, Joy returned where grief and fear had been. The people sang because the word held true, And every generation learned what mercy still could do. [Outro] The feast became a memory to keep. Joy learned the name of those who once would weep.