1 Go forward, is the great command;
The threat’ning dangers all will yield
To them with earnest heart and hand,
Who mean to die or win the field.
Chorus:
It is the captain’s great command,
Go forward, and the land possess;
Lo, I will be at thy right hand,
To aid, defend, to guide and bless.
2 The clouds may darken and obscure
The path that leads to victory;
Yet form that path, if naught allure,
Thou shalt emerge triumphantly. [Chorus]
3 Go forward, e’en tho’ mountains rise
And interpose their forms sublime;
Scale thou their summits, and thine eyes
Shall see from thence that brighter clime. [Chorus]
4 If ocean’s wild, tempestuous gales
Dash angry waves against thy bark,
With steady helm and well-trimmed sails,
Go forward still straight to the mark. [Chorus]
5 Tho’ prospects all be blasted quite,
Tho’ friends desert, and hopes decay,
Beyond the darkest clouds there’s light;
Go forward, and behold the day. [Chorus]
Source: Light and Life Songs: adapted especially to sunday schools, prayer meetings and other social services #70