'Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho' lyrics

Inspired by the biblical story of the Battle of Jericho, in which Joshua led the Israelites against Canaan, this African-American spiritual is believed to have been composed by slaves in the first half of the 19th century.

It was first recorded by by Harrod's Jubilee Singers, in 1922-1924, and since then has been sung by many great artists including Paul Robeson, Mahalia Jackson, Clara Ward, Hugh Laurie and Elvis Presley.

'Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho' lyrics

Refrain: Joshua fought the battle of Jericho, Jericho, Jericho. Joshua fought the battle of Jericho, and the walls came tumbling down.

1 You may talk about the men of Gideon; you may talk about the men of Saul; there's none like good old Joshua, at the battle of Jericho. (Refrain)

2 Up to the walls of Jericho he marched with sword in hand. "Go blow those ram's horns," Joshua cried, "for the battle is in God's hands." (Refrain)

3 Then the horns began to bellow, the trumpets began to sound, and Joshua commanded the children to shout, and the walls came tumbling down. (Refrain)