I was standing on the banks of the river
Looking out over lifes troubled sea
When I saw that ole ship that was sailing
Is that the ole ship of Zion I see.
Its hull was bent and battered
From the storms of life I could see
Waves were rough but that ole ship kept sailing
Is that the ole ship of Zion I see.
At the stern of the ship stood the captain
I could hear as he called out my name
Get on board its the ole ship of Zion
It will never pass this way again
As I step on board Ill be leaving
All my sorrows and heartaches behind
Ill be safe with Jesus the captain
Sailing out on the ole ship of Zion.