“Keep Your Eyes on the Prize” is a classic folk song that became a cornerstone of the American Civil Rights Movement. It evolved from the much older spiritual, “Keep Your Hand on the Plow,” which uses the imagery of a farmer who cannot look back if they want to till a straight furrow.
Lyrics
Verse 1
Well, I set my feet on freedom’s road,
And the journey’s hard and long,
But I keep my heart from turning back,
For the Lord will make me strong.
Refrain
Keep your eyes on the prize, hold on,
Keep your hand on the plow, hold on.
Verse 2
Paul and Silas in the jailhouse bound,
No one there to hear their cries,
But the chains fell down at midnight hour,
And the doors swung open wide.
Refrain
Keep your eyes on the prize, hold on,
Keep your hand on the plow, hold on.
Verse 3
When the load is heavy on your back,
And the night is cold and long,
Lift your voice and keep on walking,
Trouble won’t last long.
Refrain
Keep your eyes on the prize, hold on,
Keep your hand on the plow, hold on.
Verse 4
When the world feels dark around you,
And you struggle just to stand,
Remember all the saints before you—
They walked the very same land.
Refrain
Keep your eyes on the prize, hold on,
Keep your hand on the plow, hold on.
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