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