1 Launch the life-boat! see; the ship is stranding!
There are loved ones you may save:
Launch the life-boat from the gospel landing!
The storm is on the wave.

Chorus:
Launch the life-boat! launch the life-boat!
Tho' the surges roar;
Launch the life-boat! launch the life-boat
From the gospel shore!
Wrecks of manhood on the rocks of evil,
Wrecks of youth upon the shoals:
Quickly launch the blessed gospel life-boat,
And gather in the souls.

2 Oft beneath youth's mild and sunny waters
Hidden shoals of danger lie;
Where's the pilot for our sons and daughters,
To guide them safely by! [Chorus]

3 Oft upon life's dark and stormy ocean
Sturdy manhood's bark is tossed;
Where's the faith that stills the wild commotion
Before a soul is lost! [Chorus]

4 O for hearts to love as did the Master
Those who sadly fail in life!
O for willing hands that labor faster
The fiercer grows the strife! [Chorus]