The Gospel Revival: Elvis Presley’s Journey Through ‘Joshua Fit The Battle’

Introduction

Joshua Fit the Battle by Elvis Presley is a cover of an African-American spiritual song with a long and rich history. The song is thought to have originated in the early 19th century, and it has been recorded by many artists over the years, including Mahalia Jackson, Clara Ward, and Paul Robeson.

The song is based on the biblical story of the Battle of Jericho, in which Joshua led the Israelites to victory over the Canaanites. In the song, the Israelites are represented as a people who are oppressed and downtrodden, but who are ultimately victorious through their faith in God.

The song’s lyrics are simple but powerful, and they have resonated with people of all backgrounds for generations. The chorus, which repeats the phrase “Joshua fit the battle of Jericho, and the walls came tumbling down,” is a triumphant declaration of faith and hope.

Elvis Presley’s recording of Joshua Fit the Battle was released in 1960 as part of his album His Hand in Mine. Presley’s version of the song is notable for its energetic performance and its soulful vocals. Presley’s interpretation of the song helped to popularize it among a wider audience, and it remains one of his most beloved gospel recordings.

The song’s history is also closely tied to the African-American experience. The spiritual song tradition was a way for enslaved people to express their faith and hope in the face of oppression. Joshua Fit the Battle became a powerful anthem of resistance and liberation for many African Americans.

In recent years, the song has also been interpreted as a metaphor for other struggles, such as the fight for civil rights and the fight against poverty. The song’s message of hope and perseverance continues to resonate with people of all backgrounds today.

Here is a more detailed look at the song’s history:

• The earliest known recording of Joshua Fit the Battle is from 1882, on the album Jubilee Songs by M. G. Slayton.
• The song became more widely known in the early 20th century, thanks to recordings by artists such as Paul Robeson and Mahalia Jackson.
• In 1950, Ralph Flanagan and His Orchestra recorded a swing version of the song, which helped to introduce it to a new audience.
• Elvis Presley’s recording of Joshua Fit the Battle was released in 1960, and it became a major hit.
• The song has continued to be recorded and performed by artists of all genres, and it remains a popular gospel song today.

Joshua Fit the Battle is a powerful and enduring song that has touched the lives of people all over the world. Its message of hope and perseverance continues to inspire and uplift people today.

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Lyrics

Joshua fit the battle of Jericho
Jericho Jericho
Joshua fit the battle of Jericho
And the walls come tumbling down

God knows that
Joshua fit the battle of Jericho
Jericho Jericho
Joshua fit the battle of Jericho
And the walls come tumbling down

Good morning sister Mary
Good morning brother John
Well I wanna stop and talk with you
Wanna tell you how I come along

I know you’ve heard about Joshua
He was the son of Nun
He never stopped his work until
Until the work was done

God knows that
Joshua fit the battle of Jericho
Jericho Jericho
Joshua fit the battle of Jericho
And the walls come tumbling down

You may talk about your men of Gideon
You may brag about your men of Saul
There’s none like good old Joshua
At the battle of Jericho

Up to the walls of Jericho
He marched with spear in hand
Go blow them ram horns, Joshua cried
‘Cause the battle is in my hands

God knows that
Joshua fit the battle of Jericho
Jericho Jericho
Joshua fit the battle of Jericho
And the walls come tumbling down

You may talk about your men of Gideon
You may brag about your king of Saul
There none like Joshua
At the battle of Jericho

They tell me, great God that Joshua’s spear
Was well nigh twelve feet long
And upon his hip was a double edged sword
And his mouth was a gospel horn

Yet bold and brave he stood
Salvation in his hand
Go blow them ram horns Joshua cried
‘Cause the devil can’t do you no harm

Joshua fit the battle of Jericho
Jericho Jericho
Joshua fit the battle of Jericho
And the walls come tumbling down

Up to the walls of Jericho
He marched with spear in hand
Go blow them ram horns, Joshua cried
‘Cause the battle is in my hands

Then the lamb ram sheep horns began to blow
The trumpets began to sound
Old Joshua shouted glory
And the walls came tumblin’ down

God knows that
Joshua fit the battle of Jericho
Jericho Jericho
Joshua fit the battle of Jericho
And the walls come tumbling down

Down, down, down, down, down
Tumblin’ down