"When the Battle's Over" uses the words of Isaac Watts' hymn "Am I a Soldier of the Cross" written ca . 1721. Watts wrote the lyrics to accompany a sermon on I Corinthians 16:13 "Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong." This version adds a rousing chorus of assurance of victory coupled with an English melody arranged by William B. Blake, Sr. (1852-1938). The refrain is sometimes sung by itself as a children's "chorus." The musical duo Delaney and Bonnie adapted the chorus into a secular song " When the Battle Is Over " on their 1969 album Accept No Substitute .