A long time ago if you lived in Jericho
You could watch God’s people as they marched around
Below
And you’d laugh at the daft way of conquering the
Town
‘Cos those great strong walls could never come down
But God had other ideas
Those walls came a crashing down round their ears
God had other ideas
Those walls came a tumbling down
Walls came tumbling down
Almost every day you can still hear people say
That there is a problem that is getting in God’s way
Even though the God of long ago is very much around
We think our walls could never come down
But God has other ideas
Those walls can come crashing down around our ears
God has other ideas
Our walls can come tumbling down
Walls come tumbling down
Song Meaning
This playful account retells Jericho’s falling walls and uses them as an image of obstacles that seem immovable.
Biblical Message
Joshua 6:1–20 recounts Israel’s march around Jericho. Applying its walls to modern problems is a metaphor, not a promise that every obstacle will disappear.
Reflection
Trust may ask us to obey even when the route seems strange, while respecting the story’s historical setting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main message of “A Long Time Ago”?
This playful account retells Jericho’s falling walls and uses them as an image of obstacles that seem immovable.
Which Bible passages connect with the song?
Joshua 6:1–20 recounts Israel’s march around Jericho. Applying its walls to modern problems is a metaphor, not a promise that every obstacle will disappear.
When can this song be used in worship?
Children’s Bible teaching on Joshua 6.