Marines' Hymn
Encyclopedia
The "Marines' Hymn" is the official hymn
of the United States Marine Corps
. It is the oldest official song in the United States military
. The "Marines' Hymn" is typically sung at the position of attention
as a gesture of respect. However, the third verse is also used as a toast
during formal events, such as the birthday ball
and other ceremonies.
" refers to the First Barbary War
, and specifically the Battle of Derne in 1805. After Lieutenant Presley O'Bannon
and his Marines hoisted the American flag over the Old World
for the first time, the phrase was added to the battle colors of the Corps
. "The Halls of Montezuma
" refers to the Battle of Chapultepec
, during the Mexican-American War, where a force of Marines stormed Chapultepec Castle.
While the lyrics are said to date from the 19th century, no pre-20th century text is known. The author of the lyrics is likewise unknown. Legend has it that it was penned by a Marine on duty in Mexico. The unknown author transposed the phrases in the motto on the Colors so that the first two lines of the Hymn would read: "From the Halls of Montezuma, to the Shores of Tripoli", favoring euphony
over chronology.
The music is from the Gendarmes' Duet from an 1867 revision of the 1859 opera Geneviève de Brabant
by Jacques Offenbach
, which debuted in Paris
in 1859. Correspondence between Colonel Albert S. McLemore
and Walter F. Smith (the second leader of the Marine Band
) traces the tune:
The name of the opera and a part of the chorus was secured from Major Wallach and forwarded to Mr. Smith, who replied:
John Philip Sousa
once wrote:
Some websites claim that the Marine Corps secured a copyright
on the song on 19 August 1891, but this is in error; the copyright was vested on 18 August 1919. In 1929, the Commandant of the Marine Corps
authorized the three verses of the Marines' Hymn as the official version, but changed the third and fourth lines:
This older version can be heard in the 1950 film Halls of Montezuma
. On 21 November 1942, Commandant Thomas Holcomb
approved a change in the words of the first verse's fourth line from "On the land as on the sea" to "In the air, on land, and sea" to reflect the addition of aviation
to the Corp's arsenal.
during World War II
:
Hymn
A hymn is a type of song, usually religious, specifically written for the purpose of praise, adoration or prayer, and typically addressed to a deity or deities, or to a prominent figure or personification...
of the United States Marine Corps
United States Marine Corps
The United States Marine Corps is a branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for providing power projection from the sea, using the mobility of the United States Navy to deliver combined-arms task forces rapidly. It is one of seven uniformed services of the United States...
. It is the oldest official song in the United States military
Military of the United States
The United States Armed Forces are the military forces of the United States. They consist of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard.The United States has a strong tradition of civilian control of the military...
. The "Marines' Hymn" is typically sung at the position of attention
At attention
The position of At attention, or Standing at attention is a military posture which involves the following general postures:* Standing upright with an assertive and correct posture: famously "chin up, chest out, shoulders back, stomach in"....
as a gesture of respect. However, the third verse is also used as a toast
Toast (honor)
A toast is a ritual in which a drink is taken as an expression of honor or goodwill. The term may be applied to the person or thing so honored, the drink taken, or the verbal expression accompanying the drink. Thus, a person could be "the toast of the evening," for whom someone "proposes a toast"...
during formal events, such as the birthday ball
United States Marine Corps birthday ball
The United States Marine Corps Birthday is celebrated every year on the 10th of November with a traditional ball and cake-cutting ceremony.-Historical birthday:...
and other ceremonies.
History
Some of the lyrics were popular phrases before the song was written. The line "To the shores of TripoliTripoli
Tripoli is the capital and largest city in Libya. It is also known as Western Tripoli , to distinguish it from Tripoli, Lebanon. It is affectionately called The Mermaid of the Mediterranean , describing its turquoise waters and its whitewashed buildings. Tripoli is a Greek name that means "Three...
" refers to the First Barbary War
First Barbary War
The First Barbary War , also known as the Barbary Coast War or the Tripolitan War, was the first of two wars fought between the United States and the North African Berber Muslim states known collectively as the Barbary States...
, and specifically the Battle of Derne in 1805. After Lieutenant Presley O'Bannon
Presley O'Bannon
Presley Neville O’Bannon was an officer in the United States Marine Corps, famous for his exploits in the First Barbary War. In recognition of his bravery, he was presented a sword for his part in attempting to restore Prince Hamet Karamanli to his throne at Tripoli...
and his Marines hoisted the American flag over the Old World
Old World
The Old World consists of those parts of the world known to classical antiquity and the European Middle Ages. It is used in the context of, and contrast with, the "New World" ....
for the first time, the phrase was added to the battle colors of the Corps
Flag of the United States Marine Corps
The Flag of the United States Marine Corps is the flag used to represent the Marine Corps, as well as units and formations of the Corps.-Official Battle Color of the Marine Corps:...
. "The Halls of Montezuma
Moctezuma II
Moctezuma , also known by a number of variant spellings including Montezuma, Moteuczoma, Motecuhzoma and referred to in full by early Nahuatl texts as Motecuhzoma Xocoyotzin, was the ninth tlatoani or ruler of Tenochtitlan, reigning from 1502 to 1520...
" refers to the Battle of Chapultepec
Battle of Chapultepec
The Battle of Chapultepec, in September 1847, was a United States victory over Mexican forces holding Chapultepec Castle west of Mexico City during the Mexican-American War.-Background:On September 13, 1847, in the costly Battle of Molino del Rey, U.S...
, during the Mexican-American War, where a force of Marines stormed Chapultepec Castle.
While the lyrics are said to date from the 19th century, no pre-20th century text is known. The author of the lyrics is likewise unknown. Legend has it that it was penned by a Marine on duty in Mexico. The unknown author transposed the phrases in the motto on the Colors so that the first two lines of the Hymn would read: "From the Halls of Montezuma, to the Shores of Tripoli", favoring euphony
Euphony
Phonaesthetics is the claim or study of inherent pleasantness or beauty or unpleasantness of the sound of certain words and sentences. Poetry is considered euphonic, as is well-crafted literary prose...
over chronology.
The music is from the Gendarmes' Duet from an 1867 revision of the 1859 opera Geneviève de Brabant
Geneviève de Brabant
Geneviève de Brabant is an opéra bouffe, or operetta, by Jacques Offenbach, first performed in Paris in 1859. The plot is based on the medieval legend of Genevieve of Brabant....
by Jacques Offenbach
Jacques Offenbach
Jacques Offenbach was a Prussian-born French composer, cellist and impresario. He is remembered for his nearly 100 operettas of the 1850s–1870s and his uncompleted opera The Tales of Hoffmann. He was a powerful influence on later composers of the operetta genre, particularly Johann Strauss, Jr....
, which debuted in Paris
Paris
Paris is the capital and largest city in France, situated on the river Seine, in northern France, at the heart of the Île-de-France region...
in 1859. Correspondence between Colonel Albert S. McLemore
Albert S. McLemore
Albert S. McLemore was an American officer serving in the United States Marine Corps during the Spanish-American War...
and Walter F. Smith (the second leader of the Marine Band
United States Marine Band
The United States Marine Band is the premier band of the United States Marine Corps. Established by act of Congress on July 11, 1798, it is the oldest of the United States military bands and the oldest professional musical organization in the United States...
) traces the tune:
The name of the opera and a part of the chorus was secured from Major Wallach and forwarded to Mr. Smith, who replied:
John Philip Sousa
John Philip Sousa
John Philip Sousa was an American composer and conductor of the late Romantic era, known particularly for American military and patriotic marches. Because of his mastery of march composition, he is known as "The March King" or the "American March King" due to his British counterpart Kenneth J....
once wrote:
Some websites claim that the Marine Corps secured a copyright
Copyright
Copyright is a legal concept, enacted by most governments, giving the creator of an original work exclusive rights to it, usually for a limited time...
on the song on 19 August 1891, but this is in error; the copyright was vested on 18 August 1919. In 1929, the Commandant of the Marine Corps
Commandant of the Marine Corps
The Commandant of the Marine Corps is normally the highest ranking officer in the United States Marine Corps and is a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff...
authorized the three verses of the Marines' Hymn as the official version, but changed the third and fourth lines:
| Pre-1929 version | Authorized change |
|---|---|
| Admiration of the nation, we're the finest ever seen; And we glory in the title Of United States Marines. |
First to fight for right and freedom And to keep our honor clean; We are proud to claim the title Of United States Marine United States Marine Corps The United States Marine Corps is a branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for providing power projection from the sea, using the mobility of the United States Navy to deliver combined-arms task forces rapidly. It is one of seven uniformed services of the United States... . |
This older version can be heard in the 1950 film Halls of Montezuma
Halls of Montezuma (film)
Halls of Montezuma is a 1951 World War II war film starring Richard Widmark, Jack Palance and Karl Malden. The film, which is about U.S. marines fighting on a Japanese-held island, was directed by academy-award winner Lewis Milestone. It also starred Robert Wagner in his first credited screen role...
. On 21 November 1942, Commandant Thomas Holcomb
Thomas Holcomb
General Thomas Holcomb was the seventeenth Commandant of the United States Marine Corps . He was the first Marine to achieve the rank of General. After retiring from the Marine Corps, Holcomb served as Minister to South Africa .-Early years:Holcomb was born on August 5, 1879 in New Castle, Delaware...
approved a change in the words of the first verse's fourth line from "On the land as on the sea" to "In the air, on land, and sea" to reflect the addition of aviation
United States Marine Corps Aviation
United States Marine Corps Aviation is the air component of the United States Marine Corps. Marine aviation has a very different mission and operation than its ground counterpart, and thus, has many of its own histories, traditions, terms, and procedures....
to the Corp's arsenal.
Lyrics
- From the Halls of MontezumaBattle of ChapultepecThe Battle of Chapultepec, in September 1847, was a United States victory over Mexican forces holding Chapultepec Castle west of Mexico City during the Mexican-American War.-Background:On September 13, 1847, in the costly Battle of Molino del Rey, U.S...
, - To the shores of TripoliFirst Barbary WarThe First Barbary War , also known as the Barbary Coast War or the Tripolitan War, was the first of two wars fought between the United States and the North African Berber Muslim states known collectively as the Barbary States...
; - We fight our country's battlesHistory of the United States Marine CorpsThe history of the United States Marine Corps began with the founding of the Continental Marines on November 10, 1775 to conduct ship-to-ship fighting, provide shipboard security and discipline enforcement, and assist in landing forces. Its mission evolved with changing military doctrine and...
- In the air, on land, and sea;
- First to fight for right and freedom
- And to keep our honor clean:
- We are proud to claim the title
- Of United States Marine.
- Our flag'sFlag of the United States Marine CorpsThe Flag of the United States Marine Corps is the flag used to represent the Marine Corps, as well as units and formations of the Corps.-Official Battle Color of the Marine Corps:...
unfurled to every breeze - From dawn to setting sun;
- We have fought in every clime and place
- Where we could take a gun;
- In the snow of far-off Northern lands
- And in sunny tropic scenes;
- You will find us always on the job
- The United States Marines.
- Here's health to you and to our Corps
- Which we are proud to serve;
- In many a strife we've fought for life
- And never lost our nerve;
- If the ArmyUnited States ArmyThe United States Army is the main branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. It is the largest and oldest established branch of the U.S. military, and is one of seven U.S. uniformed services...
and the NavyUnited States NavyThe United States Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the seven uniformed services of the United States. The U.S. Navy is the largest in the world; its battle fleet tonnage is greater than that of the next 13 largest navies combined. The U.S... - Ever look on Heaven’s scenes;
- They will find the streets are guarded
- By The United States Marines.
Extra verses
Various people over the years wrote unofficial or semi-unofficial extra verses to commemorate later battles and actions, for example, this verse commemorating the occupation of IcelandIceland during World War II
The state of Iceland during World War II was that of a sovereign kingdom in personal union with Denmark, with King Christian X as head of state....
during World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
:
- Again in 1941, we sailed a north'ard course
- and found beneath the midnight sunMidnight sunThe midnight sun is a natural phenomenon occurring in summer months at latitudes north and nearby to the south of the Arctic Circle, and south and nearby to the north of the Antarctic Circle where the sun remains visible at the local midnight. Given fair weather, the sun is visible for a continuous...
, the VikingVikingThe term Viking is customarily used to refer to the Norse explorers, warriors, merchants, and pirates who raided, traded, explored and settled in wide areas of Europe, Asia and the North Atlantic islands from the late 8th to the mid-11th century.These Norsemen used their famed longships to...
and the NorseNorsemenNorsemen is used to refer to the group of people as a whole who spoke what is now called the Old Norse language belonging to the North Germanic branch of Indo-European languages, especially Norwegian, Icelandic, Faroese, Swedish and Danish in their earlier forms.The meaning of Norseman was "people...
. - The IcelandIcelandIceland , described as the Republic of Iceland, is a Nordic and European island country in the North Atlantic Ocean, on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Iceland also refers to the main island of the country, which contains almost all the population and almost all the land area. The country has a population...
girls were slim and fair, and fair the Iceland scenes, - and the Army found in landing there, the United States Marines.
See also
- To the Shores of TripoliTo the Shores of TripoliTo the Shores of Tripoli is a Technicolor 1942 film starring John Payne, Maureen O'Hara, Randolph Scott, Nancy Kelly and Minor Watson. The film was directed by H...
- The U.S. Air Force (song)The U.S. Air Force (song)The U.S. Air Force is the official song of the United States Air Force. Written in 1939, it is known informally as "The Air Force Song," and is often referred to informally as "Into the Wild Blue Yonder", "Off We Go Into the Wild Blue Yonder," or simply "Wild Blue Yonder."Originally, the song was...
- Anchors AweighAnchors Aweigh"Anchors Aweigh" is the fight song of the United States Naval Academy, and strongly associated with the United States Navy, composed in 1906 by Charles A. Zimmerman with lyrics by Alfred Hart Miles. Zimmerman was at the time a Lieutenant, and had been bandmaster of the United States Naval Academy...
- The Army Goes Rolling AlongThe Army Goes Rolling Along"The Army Goes Rolling Along" is the official song of the United States Army and is typically called "The Army Song."-The Caisson Song:The song is based on the "Caisson Song" written by field artillery First Lieutenant Edmund L...
- Semper Paratus (march)Semper Paratus (march)"Semper Paratus" is the official march of the United States Coast Guard.Semper Paratus is also the official Coast Guard motto...
External links
- Marines' Hymn, MP3 from the Marine Corps "President's Own" website.
- Marine Corps Theme performed as instrumental band march (.wav file)
- Marine's Hymn Lyrics Information about the USMC hymn as well as other USMC history.
- The Marine's Hymn Mystery More information about the musical authorship of the tune.