It is thought M. J. Cartwright wrote the African-American spiritual 'Old ship of Zion' in around 1889. It is usually sung to a tune by by Daniel B. Towner.
Tis the ol' ship of Zion, 'Tis the ol' ship of Zion, 'Tis the ol' ship of Zion; Get on board, get on board!
It has landed many a thousand, It has landed many a thousand, It has landed many a thousand; Get on board, get on board!
King Jesus is the captain, King Jesus is the captain, King Jesus is the captain; Get on board, get on board!
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