Introduction:
Joshua Fit the Battle is a spirited gospel number recorded by the iconic Elvis Presley in 1960. This track, a standout from his album His Hand in Mine, showcases a different side of the King of Rock and Roll, revealing his deep-rooted passion for gospel music.
While Elvis is primarily celebrated for his revolutionary blend of rockabilly, blues, and country, his gospel roots were equally profound. Joshua Fit the Battle is a testament to this spiritual side of his artistry. The song, a traditional spiritual with a rich history, was given a fresh and dynamic interpretation by Presley and his accompanying musicians.
The track’s production is simple yet effective, allowing Elvis’ powerful vocals to take center stage. His performance is marked by raw emotion and fervor, as he imbues the song with a sense of urgency and conviction. The backing vocals and instrumentation complement his vocal prowess, creating a rich and soulful soundscape.
Though not a chart-topping hit in the same vein as his secular recordings, Joshua Fit the Battle has earned a significant place in Elvis Presley’s discography and in the hearts of gospel music enthusiasts. It stands as a powerful example of his versatility as an artist and his ability to connect with audiences on a deeply spiritual level.
Video:
Lyrics:
“Joshua Fit The Battle”
Joshua fit the battle of Jericho
Jericho Jericho
Joshua fit the battle of Jericho
And the walls come tumbling downGod knows that
Joshua fit the battle of Jericho
Jericho Jericho
Joshua fit the battle of Jericho
And the walls come tumbling downGood morning sister Mary
Good morning brother John
Well I wanna stop and talk with you
Wanna tell you how I come alongI know you’ve heard about Joshua
He was the son of Nun
He never stopped his work until
Until the work was doneGod knows that
Joshua fit the battle of Jericho
Jericho Jericho
Joshua fit the battle of Jericho
And the walls come tumbling downYou 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 JerichoUp to the walls of Jericho
He marched with spear in hand
Go blow them ram horns, Joshua cried
‘Cause the battle is in my handsGod knows that
Joshua fit the battle of Jericho
Jericho Jericho
Joshua fit the battle of Jericho
And the walls come tumbling downYou may talk about your men of Gideon
You may brag about your king of Saul
There none like Joshua
At the battle of JerichoThey 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 hornYet bold and brave he stood
Salvation in his hand
Go blow them ram horns Joshua cried
‘Cause the devil can’t do you no harmJoshua fit the battle of Jericho
Jericho Jericho
Joshua fit the battle of Jericho
And the walls come tumbling downUp to the walls of Jericho
He marched with spear in hand
Go blow them ram horns, Joshua cried
‘Cause the battle is in my handsThen the lamb ram sheep horns began to blow
The trumpets began to sound
Old Joshua shouted glory
And the walls came tumblin’ downGod knows that
Joshua fit the battle of Jericho
Jericho Jericho
Joshua fit the battle of Jericho
And the walls come tumbling downDown, down, down, down, down
Tumblin’ down