I was standing on the banks of the river

Looking out over life's troubled sea

When I saw an old ship that was sailing

Is that the old ship of Zion I see

It's hull was beat and battered

From the storms of life, I could see

The waves were rough but that old ship kept steady

Is that the old ship of Zion I see

At the stern of the ship was the Captain

I could hear as He called out my name

"Get on board, it's the old ship of Zion—

It will never pass this way again."

As I step on board I'll be leaving

All my sorrows and heartaches behind

I'll be safe with Jesus the captain

Sailing out on the old ship of Zion

Sailing out on the old ship of Zion