[Verse 1]
We got dust on our bibles
Brand new iPhones
No wonder why we feel this way
[Verse 2]
Hey, how you been?
It's been a while and I'm just checking in
I miss the way things used to be back in 2017
And I just miss my friend
[Verse 3]
Hey, I've been fine
I've been struggling to find some peace of mind
It's the problem of our nation and in our generation
We're too busy and can't find the time
Are we busy? Or is it all a lie?
[Chorus]
We got dust on our bibles
Brand new iPhones
No wonder why we feel this way
We walk with our eyes closed
Blind leadin' blind folks
And I'm done with those idols and dusty bibles
[Verse 4]
We only get this one life
I don't wanna sit and watch it pass me by
I'm so done being complacent
There ain't no replacement for a life in the light of your way
Oh, I'm done, had enough of my way
[Chorus]
We got dust on our bibles
Brand new iPhones
No wonder why we feel this way
We walk with our eyes closed
Blind leadin' blind folks
And I'm done with those idols and dusty bibles
[Bridge]
I miss the way things used to be back in 2017
And I just miss my friend
Oh, I just miss my friend
[Chorus]
We got dust on our bibles
Brand new iPhones
No wonder why we feel this way
We walk with our eyes closed
Blind leadin' blind folks
And I'm done with those idols and dusty bibles
Joy (What The World Calls Foolish)
Song Meaning
Gateway Worship and Martin Smith open "Joy (What The World Calls Foolish)" with a blunt self-diagnosis — "we got dust on our Bibles, brand new iPhones, no wonder why we feel this way." The song doesn't treat technology itself as the villain; it names neglect and distraction as the actual problem, using the phone only as the clearest visible symptom.
The verses drop into a specific, personal conversation — "hey, how you been... I miss the way things used to be" — grounding the larger cultural complaint in something as small as losing touch with one friend. "We walk with our eyes closed, blind leadin' blind folks" keeps the accusation communal rather than pointed at any one person, the singer included.
"I'm done with those idols and dusty Bibles" names the actual choice the song is building toward — not condemning modern life outright, but refusing to let devotion stay unused while lesser things get all the attention.