Beethoven and Ode to Joy Lyrics

I'm writing these days, jamming out an article on music. And it has to do with Beethoven, among about a gazillion other subjects. Writing this one is like trying to stuff an elephant into a pillow case. But it will be worth it.

I just listened to part of the last movement of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony Here is a link to a nice Youtube (audio) version. Link to Youtube audio version

And here are the lyrics, from the poem by Friedrich Schiller in 1785. They obviously speak for themselves. (I got them here.)

This symphony is said to be the greatest ever written.

Lyrics in English for "Ode to Joy"
("Ode An Die Freude")
Beethoven's 9th Symphony

O friends, no more these sounds!
Let us sing more cheerful songs,
more full of joy!

 
Joy, bright spark of divinity,
Daughter of Elysium,
Fire-inspired we tread
Thy sanctuary.

Thy magic power re-unites
All that custom has divided,
All men become brothers
Under the sway of thy gentle wings.

Whoever has created
An abiding friendship,
Or has won
A true and loving wife,
All who can call at least one soul theirs,
Join in our song of praise;
But any who cannot must creep tearfully
Away from our circle.

All creatures drink of joy
At nature's breast.
Just and unjust
Alike taste of her gift;

She gave us kisses and the fruit of the vine,
A tried friend to the end.
Even the worm can feel contentment,
And the cherub stands before God!

Gladly, like the heavenly bodies
Which He set on their courses
Through the splendor of the firmament;
Thus, brothers, you should run your race,
As a hero going to conquest.

You millions, I embrace you.
This kiss is for all the world!

Brothers, above the starry canopy
There must dwell a loving Father.

Do you fall in worship, you millions?
World, do you know your creator?

Seek him in the heavens;
Above the stars must He dwell.