It's good to see so many references to Songs of Zion. It is a great book, and a wonderful resource. It should be in everyone's library who is interested in black gospel.

The lyrics, as printed in the new National Baptist Hymnal (which is also worth having,) are:

I was lost in sin and sorrow on an isle in life's dark sea
When I saw far in the distance there a ship it seemed to be
Then I saw the Captain beckon, then he called out loud and free
"I have come my friend to save you, step on board and follow me:

CHORUS: 'Tis the old ship of Zion,
'Tis the old ship of Zion, old ship of Zion, old ship of Zion
O 'tis the old ship of old ship of Zion
O, Yes, old ship of Zion

I got up but hesitated wondering who this friend could be
Tho' the waves were wild and dashing seeming they would swallow me
Then he raised his hand toward me calm'd the wind and raging sea
With a voice so sweet and tender these words whisper'd soft to me

Then I stepped aboard the vessel thro' the straits and thro' the gorge
Many years it sail'd the waters, many souls have made the voyage
Then I recognized the captain, it was Jesus in command
'Tis the old ship of Zion and it's bound for Canaan land

Another of my favorite hymns with a similar message is Jesus Savior, Pilot Me. I've only heard the song by the Stanley Brothers, but I imagine it has been recorded by black groups as well, as it is in the Baptist hymnal.

Jerry