I was standing on the banks of the river
Looking out over life's troubled sea
When I saw that 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 was 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 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