Sound the Battle Cry

Sound the battle cry! See, the foe is nigh;
Raise the standard high for the Lord;
Gird your armor on, stand firm every one;
Rest your cause upon His holy Word.

Refrain

Rouse, then, soldiers, rally round the banner,
Ready, steady, pass the word along;
Onward, forward, shout aloud Hosanna!
Christ is Captain of the mighty throng.

Strong to meet the foe, marching on we go,
While our cause we know, must prevail;
Shield and banner bright, gleaming in the light,
Battling for the right we ne’er can fail.

Refrain

O! Thou God of all, hear us when we call,
Help us one and all by Thy grace;
When the battle’s done, and the vict’ry’s won,
May we wear the crown before Thy face.

Refrain

Author: William F. Sherwin

Year: 1869

William F. Sherwin both wrote the lyrics and composed the tune for this American gospel song; it first appeared in 'The Golden Rule' (1869) and later in many hymnals such as 'Gospel Hymns and Sacred Songs'. No significant alternate attributions exist.