The official song of The U.S. Marine Corps, 1919.
Words and music by L. Z. Phillips.
Arranged by Rosamond Johnson.
The Continental Marines were formed in 1775. The shores of Tripoli refers to Marine action against Barbary pirates in the Mediterranean in 1805. The originator of the song is unknown but thought to be a Marine serving during the Mexican-American war in 1847. The halls of Montezuma refers to a building in Mexico City. The melody may be borrowed from a Spanish folk song. The music comes from French composer Jacques Offenbach’s comic opera Genevieve de Brabant. This part was added to the opera in 1868. By 1918 it was an inspirational march sung with pride and honor.
The sheet music:
Accompaniment track:
Lyrics
- From the halls of Montezuma, to the shores of Tripoli
We fight our country’s battles, on the land as on the sea
Admiration of the nation, we’re the finest ever seen
And we glory in the title, of “United States Marines”
Trio
When we hear the bugle call
Up and ready, one and all
- Our flag’s 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 always find us on the job
The United States Marines
Trio
On parade we step with pride
Hep, hep, hep, eyes on the guide
- 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 Army and the Navy
Ever look on heaven’s scenes
They will find the streets are guarded by
The United States Marines
Sung here by Fred Feild: