Hold the Fort

This hymn from the American Civil War era was written in 1870 by American composer, conductor, hymn-writer and Gospel singer, Philip P Bliss (1838-1876).     It makes extensive use of military metaphors to describe the coming of the kingdom of God.

With meter 13.13.13.13, it is set to a tune also by Bliss which is simply called HO MY COMRADES SEE THE SIGNAL.

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Sheet music is available in several editions of Great Hymns of the Faith

Examples

Congregation with cantor - piano accompaniment:

Instrumental - piano:

Lyrics

Ho! my comrades, see the signal,
Waving in the sky!
Reinforcements now appearing,
Victory is nigh!

Chorus:
“Hold the fort, for I am coming,”
Jesus signals still,
Wave the answer back to Heaven,
“By Thy grace we will.”

See the mighty host advancing,
Satan leading on;
Mighty men around us falling,
Courage almost gone.

See the glorious banner waving,
Hear the bugle blow;
In our Leader’s Name we triumph
Over every foe.

Fierce and long the battle rages,
But our help is near;
Onward comes our great Commander,
Cheer, my comrades, cheer!

See more ...

• Hymns from America
• Military hymns