On the heights why stand­est thou,
Sentinel, with sleep­less brow?
In the ser­vice of our Lord,
I am keep­ing watch and word;
Sleeping ne­ver, guard­ing ev­er
All the posts of dan­ger near;
Lest our ci­ty should be cap­tured,
Lest the ene­my ap­pear.

Refrain

Tho’ the night be long and wea­ry,
Cheer thee, sol­dier, yon­der dist­ant ray
Shall dis­pel these war clouds drea­ry;
Thou shalt soon be­hold the day!

On the heights what seest thou,
Sentinel, with sleep­less brow?
Sin and crime with heed­less bound,
Send their forc­es all around;
Never sleep­ing, ev­er keep­ing,
Faithful guard tho’ foes ap­pall,
Christ Him­self our arms will strength­en,
Mighty to en­compass all.

Refrain

On the heights what hear­est thou,
Sentinel, with sleep­less brow?
Still the foe in pha­lanx broad,
Arms him­self against the Lord;
Armor glanc­ing, swift ad­vanc­ing,
When we thought sal­va­tion near;
Waken sol­diers! march to bat­tle,
Christ the Lord is Cap­tain here.

Refrain