Supplement

Old Ship of Zion

HARMONIZED BY N. BILLINGS.

What ship is this you’ve entered? I think I want to go ;

p. 4
Key B-flat major
Singing key F major
Time 2/4
5 stanzas

Words

What ship is this you’ve entered? I think I want to go ;What ship is this you’ve entered, I know I want to go.It’s the old ship of Zion, And don’t you want to go ;It’s the old ship of Zion, I’m sure you want to go.You’ve been a long time wandering,And now you want to goTo the meeting in the new Jerusalem ;Jerusalem.

How does she ship her seamen ? I know I’d like to go,How does she ship her seamen ? I’m sure I’d like to go.By faith in the Redeemer ! Then don’t you want to go ?By faith in the Redeemer ; You can but want to go.You’ve been a long time wandering,And now you want to goTo the meeting in the New Jerusalem,Jerusalem.

Where will this ship discharge us ? I know I want to go,Where will this ship discharge us ? I’m sure I’d like to go.On the Continent of Glory ! I know you want to go.You’ve been a long time wandering,And now you want to goTo the meeting in the new Jerusalem ;Jerusalem.

Who governs this bold vessel ? For others want to go ;Who governs this bold vessel ? Yes, thousands want to go.Our Father’s at the helm—We all may safely go,Our Father’s at the helm—We all may safely go.You’ve been a long time wandering,And I’m glad you want to goTo the meeting in the new Jerusalem ;Jerusalem.

If the crew are all well treated, I’m sure I’d like to go,If the crew are all well treated, I know I’d like to go.Why, he gives us Gospel measure, I know you want to go,Pressed down and running over, Who would not want to go,We’ve been a long time wandering,And now we’re bound to goTo the meeting in the new Jerusalem ;Jerusalem.

About this hymn

As printed Harmonized by N. Billings. — Millennial Harp (1843), Supplement, printed pp. 4–5 (PDF 296–297). Three staves: Treble (top, an inner voice), Second Treble (middle — **the melody**, with the words printed above it) and Bass; B-flat major, 2/4. The first stanza is printed between the staves: its first four lines as two lines of text joined by a brace (sung twice to measures 1–8, which end with a repeat sign), then the refrain «You’ve been a long time wandering, …» (measures 9–19, with «1st time.» and «2nd time.» endings). Stanzas 2–5 are printed as verse below the music on p. 5; each ends in «&c.» (the refrain). Stanza 1 has no printed number.