1 O sailor, on life’s stormy sea,
Your boat is driven to’ard the reef;
You do not know the danger near,
Nor feel your need of quick relief.

Refrain:
Take hold the lifeline, hold it fast;
Your danger then will soon be past.
Within your reach the line we throw;
Take hold before you sink below.

2 The rocks are hidden in the deep,
Your vessel will be shattered there;
Now is the time to save your life,
Disaster comes on unaware. [Refrain]

3 See! now your boat is in the shoal,
The roaring waves dash o’er its deck;
It breaks in pieces, scatters far,
O sailor, cling not to the wreck! [Refrain]