1 I'm going to be a soldier,
Gird on my armor bright,
And with my little comrades,
I'll take the field and fight;
I'll never mind the hardships,
Nor dangers of the way;
I'll watch and toil and wrestle
By night as well as day.

Chorus:
Life's battle, O life's battle,
'Tis fought with self and sin;
But Jesus is my Captain,
And I am sure to win.

2 The foes that will assail me,
Are subtle, fierce, and strong;
The war that they are waging
Will deadly be, and long;
But I've a well-tried helmet,
A sword and trusty shield,
To quench the fiery arrows
That Satan's hand may wield. [Chorus]

3 I know I'm small and feeble,
But Jesus is my head;
He's wise and strong and able,
To triumph he will lead;
And when beneath his banner
I've gained the victor's crown,
With one long, loud hosanna,
I'll lay my armor down. [Chorus]