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U.S. Military Music
Below are some sources in the Music Department and on the Web for songs of the U.S. armed forces in both printed music (music scores) and sound recordings (mostly CDs). Words of first lines are given in some instances for clarification. The lyrics of some of the songs have been revised since they were first written to meet the changing times. For example: The caissons no longer go rolling along, it's the Army. The Army Air Corps is now the Air Force. And "Anchors Aweigh" began with different lyrics from what is most familiar today. When using a music score, check to make sure the version you are using is the one you want. When in doubt, check the online source. And please ask a librarian for help if you need it.
Air Force
U.S. Army Air Corps Song
"Off we go into the wild blue yonder..."
Choral and instrumental audio versions available online: Air Force Bands Programs. Click on "Recordings" and a pop-up window will appear to listen to the tracks.
Music Scores
| Greatest American songbook. | (r) q M1629 .G733 1991x |
| The Army Air Corps / words and music. | Music Department's Sheet Music file (by song title) |
Sound Recordings
| The spirit of freedom. [men's chorus] | CD: Ch Was #36364 |
| Kiss the boys goodbye. [instrumental] | CD: Po Kis #9455 |
| Music for honors and ceremonies [instrumental] | CD: Bd Uni #37158 | Sousa marches; Stirring marches of the USA services [instrumental] | CD: Bd Ban 37606 |
Return to the topArmy
Caisson Song
Also known as "The Caissons Go Rolling Along"
"Over hill over dale, we have hit the dusty trail..."
Words (updated, known as: "The Army Goes Rolling Along") and audio versions available online: The Army Song
Music Scores
[all of these have the old words: "The caissons go rolling along..."]
| Greatest American songbook. | (r) q M1629 .G733 1991x |
| Great songs of peace & patriotism. | (r) q M1629 .G732 1991x [piano arrangement] |
| All-American patriotic song book. | q M1629 .A419 1970zx |
| Music Americans sing. | q M 784.8 W768 |
| Let us have music for singing. | q M1619 .L424x |
| Heritage songster. | q M 784.4 D16 or rq M1977.C5 H45x |
| America's story in song. | (r) q M1495 .A45 |
Sound Recordings
| The spirit of freedom. [men's chorus] | CD: Ch Was #36364 |
| Music for honors and ceremonies [instrumental] | CD: Bd Uni #37158 | Sousa marches; Stirring marches of the USA services [instrumental] | CD: Bd Ban 37606 |
Bugle calls ( Reveille, Taps, etc.)
Music Scores
| Music Americans sing. | q M 784.8 W768 |
| Heritage songster. | q M 784.4 D16 or rq M1977.C5 H45x |
| Basic Bugler. | MT 452 .J64 1995x [music score with cassette tape] |
Sound Recordings
| Basic Bugler. | MT 452 .J64 1995x [cassette tape with music score] |
| America’s bugle calls | COMPACT DISC Wp Far 35619 |
| Music for honors and ceremonies [instrumental] | CD: Bd Uni #37158 |
Websites
| Bugle Call Classifications | The site indicates the daily sequence of bugle calls for the U.S. Military. An audio version and musical notation of each call is displayed. |
| Bugle Calls | The U.S. Army Band site includes the daily and Sunday sequences of bugle calls. An audio version and musical notation of each call is displayed. |
Books
| Taps: notes from a nation’s heart | ML3551.S32 2002 |
Coast Guard
Semper Paratus (Coast Guard Marching Song)
Words and audio versions available online: Coast Guard Anthem
Music Scores
| Music Americans sing. | q M 784.8 W768 |
Sound Recordings
| The spirit of freedom. [men's chorus] | CD: Ch Was #36364 |
| U.S. Coast Guard bicentennial, 1790-1990. [instrumental]. | CD: Bd Unit #1657 |
| Music for honors and ceremonies [instrumental] | CD: Bd Uni #37158 | Sousa marches; Stirring marches of the USA services [instrumental] | CD: Bd Ban 37606 |
Marines
The Marine's Hymn
"From the Halls of Montezuma to the shores of Tripoli..."
Words, audio versions, and sheet music download available online: The Marines’ Hymn
Music Scores
| Music Americans sing. | q M 784.8 W768 |
| Heritage songster. | q M 784.4 D16 or rq M1977.C5 H45x |
| Great songs of peace & patriotism. | (r) q M1629 .G732 1991x |
| Greatest American songbook. | (r) q M1629 .G733 1991x |
| All-American patriotic song book. | q M1629 .A419 1970zx |
| The Marine's Hymn [featured in the film "To the Shores of Tripoli," contains unique lyrics and an extra Trio music section] | Available from the Music Department's Sheet Music file (by song title) |
Sound Recordings
| The spirit of freedom. [men's chorus] | CD: Ch Was #36364 |
| Music for honors and ceremonies [instrumental] | CD: Bd Uni #37158 |
| Set Sail [instrumental] | CD: An Set 20532 | Sousa marches; Stirring marches of the USA services [instrumental] | CD: Bd Ban 37606 |
National Guard
I Guard America
Words, an audio version, and sheet music (PDF download) available online at the composer's website: James Rogers Sheet Music
Music Scores
| Available from the Music Department's Sheet Music file (by song title) |
Navy
The Navy Hymn
(Eternal Father) "Eternal Father, strong to save, ..."
Original words, alternate verses and audio versions are available online: United States Navy Band
Music Scores
| Music Americans sing. | q M 784.8 W768 |
| Great songs of peace & patriotism. | (r) q M1629 .G732 1991x |
| Hymns for men (arranged for male quartets and choruses). | q M2083 .H9 1959x vol. 2 |
| All-American patriotic song book. | q M1629 .A419 1970zx |
Sound Recordings
| The spirit of freedom. [men's chorus] | CD: Ch Was #36364 |
| Music for honors and ceremonies [instrumental and mixed chorus tracks] | CD: Bd Uni #37158 |
| Set Sail [men's chorus] | CD: An Set 20532 |
Anchors Aweigh
The second verse of the revised lyrics is the most widely sung. Its first line: "Anchors aweigh, my boys, anchors aweigh..."
Original AND revised lyrics and audio versions available online: Anchors Aweigh
Music Scores
| The Greatest American songbook. [1st verse only of revised lyrics] | (r) q M1629 .G733 1991x |
| 30 years, 30 hits, no. 2. [2 verses of revised lyrics] | q M 784.8 T367b |
| The Greatest songs of 1890-1920. [3 verses of revised lyrics] | q M1630.18 .G7285 1990x |
| The Robbins folio of popular marches. [piano arrangement] | q M35 .R63 1935x |
| Anchors Aweigh [published with revised second verse printed first, bridge section and then original first verse] | Available from the Music Department's Sheet Music file (by song title) |
Sound Recordings
| The spirit of freedom. [men's chorus] | CD: Ch Was #36364 |
| Battle cry of freedom. [mixed chorus & orchestra] | CD: An Bat #9089 |
| Music for honors and ceremonies [instrumental] | CD: Bd Uni #37158 |
| Set Sail [men's chorus & instrumental versions] | CD: An Set 20532 |
| Sousa marches; Stirring marches of the USA services [instrumental] | CD: Bd Ban 37606 |
Miscellaneous Military Music
The following song collections contain songs for military ceremonies, songs that were taught to service men and women and humorous songs about military life including, "Pay-day! (That was his favorite call)."
Music Scores
| The book of Navy songs | (r)q M 784.8 U253 |
| G.I. songs written, composed and/or collected by The Men in the Service | M 784.8 P195 |
| Give out! : songs of by and for the men in service | r 784.8 P84 |
| Legion airs : songs of the armed forces | M 784.8 P35a2 |
| The songs my mother never taught me | (r) 784.8 N35 |
| Songs of the Air Corps: for voice and piano. | (r)qM 784.8 S6989 |
| "Sound off!" Soldier songs from the revolution to World War II | (r)M 784.8 D69a |
| "Sound off!" Soldier songs from Yankee Doodle to Parley voo | (r)qM 784.8 D69 |
| War songs : a collection of songs of the nation | r M1629.3.M3 W3 1906x |
