1.

I am a sailor, sea navigator,
Setting the course t’ward heaven’s bright shore.
Zion’s the goal; my will is like steel; I’m
Daring to do whate’er is in store.
Often the winds so contrary blow;
Courage is tried; through high seas we go.
Yet to God’s glory, sails we are setting;
Winds to our spirits yield.

2.

Oft on our voyage, through the world trav’ling,
Many will try to alter our course.
Korah, with fist clenched under our chin, would
Turn us to worldly ways with great force.
Then comes the Lord, so zealous, upright!
All these proud men He fells with great might—
From their heights toppled, earth closes o’er them;
Skies become clear and bright.

3.

Then mist surrounds us; heavy fog tries us;
Faith knows the way through perilous seas.
With list’ning ears we’re through the veil steering;
Past rocks and reefs and breakers we ease.
We receive clear direction from heav’n,
And with full sail t’ward Zion we’re driv’n.
Down in the hold, with fruits of life filled, the
Cargo is lambs and sheep.

4.

There’s tribulation, people like lions
Rouse up a mut’ny—won’t go along.
During the struggle, help comes from heaven;
Skies become clear; the sun beams through, strong.
Checking our charts, our course we review.
See, the rod blossoms; God’s Word holds true.
Those who rebelled now shamefully realize
Naught that’s in Him will fail.

5.

Cold comes so bitter, freezing and biting.
Blizzards make dark the mind and the thoughts.
I start to wonder, “Will hosts of Satan
In the end triumph?” All seems for naught.
But to God’s praise, a southerly breeze
As ne’er before starts thawing the freeze.
Soon it is over, and on the billows
With open sails we go.

6.

Zion we’re nearing; nerves that are weary
Feel a new strength—by faith it’s supplied.
Gladness enfolds us, flag waving boldly;
On board the Pilot homeward does guide.
Abraham, Isaac happy us greet;
Also with Jacob, joyful, we meet.
No one can hinder our Lord and Master.
Gladly we Him embrace.

7.

Then comes the judgment; naught remains hidden.
All faithless spirits shrink from God’s Son.
All will be given rightly their placement,
Each in accord with what he has done.
If you’re found faithful, then you will rule
Over ten cities, five, or else two.
Perfectly God establishes then the
Kingdom of joy and peace.

8.

Home then forever, lift up your voices!
Give our great Captain praise evermore!
He was your life while here in the vessel
Battling rebellion, darkness, and storm.
Jubilant songs there ring loud and clear.
Jesus is hero there more than here.
We’ll laud the Savior for peace and splendor
In our eternal home.

Written in 1918 by Johan O. Smith (published in 1920)Swedish melody (from "Herderösten")Text © Stiftelsen Skjulte Skatters ForlagNorway ⋅ C