O friends, not these sounds!
Rather let us sing more pleasant ones,
and more full of joy!

Joy, beauteous spark of divinity,
Daughter of Elysium,
We enter drunk with fire,
Heavenly one, your sanctuary.
Thy magic power re-unites,
All that custom has strictly divided;
All men become brothers,
Where your gentle wing abides.

Whomever has been so fortunate,
To be the friend of a friend,
He who has obtained a dear wife,
Add his jubilation!
Yes, whoever also one soul
Can call his own in the earthly round!
And who never could, he should steal
Weeping from this fellowship!

All beings drink joy
At the breasts of Nature;
All things good, all things evil
Follow her rosy trail.
Kisses gave she us and wine,
A friend, proven [even] in death;
Ecstasy is granted [even] to the worm
And the Cherub stands before God.

Happily, flying like his suns,
Through Heaven’s splendid firmament,
Run, Brothers, your course,
Joyfully, like a hero towards victory.

Be embraced [you] millions!
This kiss is for the entire world!
Brothers! over the starry canopy
Must a loving father dwell.

Do you prostrate yourselves, [you] millions?
Do you [wish to] sense the Creator, world?
Seek him beyond the starry canopy!
Beyond the stars he [surely] must dwell!

Joy, beauteous spark of divinity, etc.
Be embraced, [you] millions!, etc.

Joy, daughter of Elysium!
Thy magic power re-unites,
All that custom has strictly divided;
All men become brothers,
Where your gentle wing abides.

Be embraced [you] millions!
This kiss is for the entire world!
Brothers! over the starry canopy
Must a loving father dwell.

Be embraced,
This kiss is for the entire world!
Joy, divine spark of divinity!
Daughter of Elysium!
Joy, divine spark of divinity!

English translation by David B. Levy