Sunday School Volunteer Song

We are marching on with shield and banner bright,
We will work for God and battle for the right,
We will praise His Name, rejoicing in His might,
And we’ll work till Jesus calls.
In the Sunday School our army we prepare,
As we rally round our blessèd standard there,
And the Savior’s cross we early learn to bear,
While we work till Jesus comes.

Refrain

Then awake, then awake, happy song, happy song,
Shout for joy, shout for joy, as we gladly march along.
We are marching onward, singing as we go,
To the promised land where living waters flow;
Come and join our ranks as pilgrims here below,
Come and work till Jesus calls.

We are marching on, our Captain, ever near,
Will protect us still, His gentle voice we hear:
Let the foe advance, we’ll never, never fear,
For we’ll work till Jesus calls.
Then awake, awake, our happy, happy song,
We will shout for joy, and gladly march along;
In the Lord of Hosts let every heart be strong,
While we work till Jesus comes.

Refrain

Author: Fanny Crosby

Year: 1883

Commonly attributed to Fanny J. Crosby (also known as Frances Jane Crosby or Fanny J. Van Alstyne). The style, marching theme, and Sunday-school focus are characteristic of her output for the firm of Biglow & Main. Some hymnals list the year as 1883.