Scripture Verse

This is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. 1 John 5:4

Introduction

Words & Mu­sic: Charles A. Tind­ley, in New Songs of the Gos­pel, ed­it­ed by C. Aus­tin Miles & Mau­rice A. Clif­ton (pseu­do­nym of J. Lin­coln Hall) (Phi­la­del­phia, Penn­syl­vania: Hall-Mack, 1900), num­ber 27 (🔊 pdf nwc). This song was the ba­sis for the Am­er­i­can ci­vil rights an­them, We Shall Ov­er­come.

portrait
Charles A. Tindley
1851–1933

Lyrics

This world is one great battlefield
With forces all arrayed,
If in my heart I do not yield
I’ll overcome some day.
I’ll overcome some day,
I’ll overcome some day,
If in my heart I do not yield,
I’ll overcome some day.

Both seen and unseen powers join
To drive my soul astray,
But with His Word a sword of mine,
I’ll overcome some day.
I’ll overcome some day,
I’ll overcome some day,
But with His Word a sword of mine,
I’ll overcome some day.

A thousand snares are set for me,
And mountains in my way,
If Jesus will my leader be,
I’ll overcome some day.
I’ll overcome some day,
I’ll overcome some day,
If Jesus will my leader be,
I’ll overcome some day.

I fail so often when I try
My Savior to obey;
It pains my heart and then I cry,
Lord, make me strong some day.
Lord, make me strong some day,
Lord, make me strong some day;
It pains my heart and then I cry,
Lord, make me strong some day.

My mind is not to do the wrong,
But walk the narrow way;
I’m praying as I journey on,
To overcome some day.
To overcome some day,
To overcome some day;
I’m praying as I journey on,
To overcome some day.

Though many a time no signs appear,
Of answer when I pray;
My Jesus says I need not fear,
He’ll make it plain some day.
I’ll be like Him some day,
I’ll be like Him some day;
My Jesus says I need not fear,
He’ll make it plain some day.