The official song of The U.S. Marine Corps, 1919. Words and music by L. Z. Phillips. Arranged by Rosamond Johnson.
Sheet Music
Accompaniment
Lyrics
Trio
When we hear the bugle call
Up and ready, one and all
Trio
On parade we step with pride
Hep, hep, hep, eyes on the guide
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.