Marine Corps Hymn Lyrics
From the Halls of Montezuma To the shores of Tripoli;
We fight our country’s battles 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’s unfurled to every breeze From dawn to setting sun;
We have fought in ev’ry 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 Army and the Navy Ever look on Heaven’s scenes;
They will find the streets are guarded By United States Marines.
Additional Info: MP3 – Music Sheet
History Of The Marine Corps Hymn
The Marine Corps’ Hymn is a song that celebrates the bravery and sacrifice of the United States Marines. It is the oldest official song in the United States Armed Forces.
The music of the hymn is taken from a French opera called “Geneviève de Brabant” by Jacques Offenbach. The lyrics were written by an unknown author, but it is believed that they were written in the 19th century.
The first two lines of the hymn, “From the halls of Montezuma to the shores of Tripoli,” refer to two of the earliest battles fought by the Marines. The first battle was the Battle of Chapultepec in 1847, during the Mexican-American War. The second battle was the Battle of Derna in 1805, during the First Barbary War.
The hymn was officially adopted by the Marine Corps in 1929. It is typically sung at the position of attention as a gesture of respect.
The Marine Corps’ Hymn is a proud and stirring song that honors the Marine Corps’ long and storied history. It is a reminder of the sacrifice and courage that Marines have shown on the battlefield, and it inspires Marines to continue to fight for freedom and democracy.