We are Bound for Canaan Land - Hymn With Lyrics

1. We are bound for Canaan land,
Tenting by the way;
Who shall lead us on the road?
Choose your king today.

Refrain:
Dare to stand like Joshua,
Dare to say the word;
As for me and for my house,
We will serve the Lord.

2. Many trials we have seen,
Thus far on our way;
He hath led us safely thro’,
Shall he lead today? [Refrain]

3. When the dark Red sea of doubt,
Billow’d in our way;
Then he parted ev’ry wave—
So he will today. [Refrain]

4. Can we safely trust a guide
Who knows not the way;
God hath traveled ev’ry foot,
Shall he lead today? [Refrain]

5. Just before us Jordan rolls,
Right across the way;
We can safely trust the Lord,
He shall lead today. [Refrain]

Scripture; Exodus 3:8, Hebrews 11:13–16, Joshua 1:2, John 14:2–3

The hymn "We Are Bound for Canaan Land" is a traditional American spiritual rooted in the experiences and deep faith of the 19th-century Christian community, particularly among African American slaves and revivalist movements. Often sung in camp meetings, revivals, and early gospel gatherings, the hymn reflects the biblical imagery of the Israelites’ journey from slavery in Egypt to freedom in the Promised Land of Canaan. For many, this became a powerful metaphor for both spiritual salvation and, in the context of slavery, the longing for physical freedom and hope.

Its lyrics—joyful, forward-looking, and filled with expectation—center on the idea of believers as pilgrims traveling through life toward a heavenly homeland. The refrain, often beginning with “I’m bound for the promised land,” emphasizes unwavering hope, despite hardship. While it’s difficult to trace a single author, the hymn became widely popular through oral tradition and hymnals associated with the American Second Great Awakening and the development of gospel music.

Ultimately, "We Are Bound for Canaan Land" stands as a testament to faith in God's deliverance and the Christian journey toward eternal life, echoing the themes of endurance, hope, and the joy of reaching heaven.