Ship Ahoy!

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We're sailing, sailing over life's great sea

Author: E. E. Hewitt
Tune: [We're sailing, sailing over life's great sea]
Published in 12 hymnals

Printable scores: PDF, Noteworthy Composer
Audio files: MIDI

Representative Text

1 We’re sailing, sailing over life’s great sea,
And other ships are passing by;
The mighty Saviour shall our Captain be,
His star is shining in the sky.
But while in safety we may glide along,
Led by the Light that never fails,
O hear the cry that rises full and strong
From those who struggle with the gates.

Refrain:
Ship ahoy! Hear the cry!
“God save them,” we fervently pray!
Ship ahoy! Hear the cry!
O haste to the rescue today!

2 Lift up the beacon that shall guide the lost
Unto the haven bright and fair;
O help the wand’ring and the tempest-tossed,
That peace and shelter they may share.
O bring the shipwrecked to the Lifeboat true,
Our Refuge in the wildest storm;
Sing out with gladness and with hope anew,
Our Captain will his word perform. [Refrain]

3 We’re sailing, sailing over life’s great sea,
And not alone our way we take;
For others, sailing, look to you and me!
O help them for the Master’s sake!
The polar star of mercy shines above,
Our anchor holds forever more;
And dear ones wait, with joyful songs of love,
To greet us on the golden shore. [Refrain]

Source: New Songs of the Gospel No. 3: for use in religious meetings #16

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Author: E. E. Hewitt

Pseudonym: Lidie H. Edmunds. Eliza Edmunds Hewitt was born in Philadelphia 28 June 1851. She was educated in the public schools and after graduation from high school became a teacher. However, she developed a spinal malady which cut short her career and made her a shut-in for many years. During her convalescence, she studied English literature. She felt a need to be useful to her church and began writing poems for the primary department. she went on to teach Sunday school, take an active part in the Philadelphia Elementary Union and become Superintendent of the primary department of Calvin Presbyterian Church. Dianne Shapiro, from "The Singers and Their Songs: sketches of living gospel hymn writers" by Charles Hutchinson Gabriel (… Go to person page >

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Text Information

Text Information

First Line:	We're sailing, sailing over life's great sea
Title:	Ship Ahoy!
Author:	E. E. Hewitt
Language:	English
Refrain First Line:	Ship ahoy, hear the cry
Copyright:	Public Domain