I am the commander of the army of the Lord.
Joshua 5:14
Words: Justus B. Vinton, in White Robes, by Alonzo J. Abbey & Merritt J. Munger (Boston, Massachusetts: Oliver Ditson, 1879), number 24. Based on the similarity in wording, this song was evidently inspired by Hold the Fort, written a few years earlier.
Music: Cancún John H. Tenney (🔊 pdf nwc).
Alternate Tune:
If you know where to get a good photo of Vinton (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
Ho! my comrades, see the signal
Jesus waves on high;
Satan’s battlements are reeling;
Hear our captain’s cry.
Storm the fort! For I am leading!
I have shown you how!
Shout the answer back to Heaven,
We are ready now!
See! the lofty walls are frowning,
Held by Satan’s power;
Sin enshrouds the world in darkness;
Now’s the storming hour.
Refrain
See! the prophets now are showing
How the fort must fall;
There is no such thing as failing;
Shout, my comrades all.
Refrain
Fierce and long the siege has lasted,
But the end is near;
Onward leads our great commander;
Cheer, my comrades, cheer!
Refrain