“The Army Goes Rolling Along” stands as a powerful anthem, deeply embedded in the tradition and spirit of the United States Army. More than just a song, it’s a musical embodiment of the Army’s history, valor, and unwavering commitment. For anyone seeking to understand the heart of the US Army, exploring the Army Song Lyrics of “The Army Goes Rolling Along” offers a profound insight.
Unpacking the Verses and Choruses: A Line-by-Line Look
The song is structured with verses, choruses, and a recurring refrain, each element contributing to its overall message of unity and strength. Let’s examine the army song lyrics section by section:
Verse 1: Foundation of Freedom and Bravery
March along, sing our song, with the Army of the free.
Count the brave, count the true, who have fought to victory.
We’re the Army and proud of our name!
We’re the Army and proudly proclaim:
This opening verse immediately establishes the core themes. It’s a call to action (“March along, sing our song”) and an assertion of identity (“We’re the Army and proud of our name!”). The phrase “Army of the free” highlights the fundamental values the US Army is sworn to protect, while “count the brave, count the true” honors the sacrifices of soldiers throughout history.
First Chorus: Duty, Nation, and Victory
First to fight for the right,
And to build the Nation’s might,
And the Army goes rolling along.
Proud of all we have done,
Fighting till the battle’s won,
And the Army goes rolling along.
The first chorus articulates the Army’s mission. “First to fight for the right” emphasizes proactive defense of justice and freedom. “Build the Nation’s might” connects military strength to national security and development. The repeated line, “And the Army goes rolling along,” provides a powerful, rhythmic assertion of continuous progress and unwavering momentum. The chorus also expresses pride in past achievements and a commitment to future victories.
Refrain: A Cadence of Unity and Recognition
Then it’s hi! hi! hey!
The Army’s on its way.
Count off the cadence loud and strong;
For where’er we go,
You will always know
That the Army goes rolling along.
The refrain is catchy and memorable, designed for group singing and reinforcing the sense of collective identity. “The Army’s on its way” is a declaration of presence and readiness. “Count off the cadence loud and strong” evokes the disciplined marching of soldiers, a key aspect of military life. The lines “For where’er we go, You will always know” suggest the Army’s omnipresence and lasting impact, no matter the location.
Second Chorus: Echoes of Historical Battles
Valley Forge, Custer’s ranks,
San Juan Hill and Patton’s tanks,
And the Army went rolling along.
Minute men, from the start,
Always fighting from the heart,
And the Army keeps rolling along.
This chorus grounds the song in specific historical moments and figures. Valley Forge symbolizes perseverance through hardship in the Revolutionary War. “Custer’s ranks” refers to the Indian Wars era, San Juan Hill to the Spanish-American War, and “Patton’s tanks” to World War II. These historical references span different periods of American history, demonstrating the Army’s long-standing service. “Minute men, from the start” connects the modern Army to its origins in citizen soldiers, highlighting a tradition of dedicated service. “Always fighting from the heart” emphasizes the personal commitment and passion of individual soldiers.
Third Chorus: Faith, Resolve, and Might
(slower, more freely)
Men in rags, men who froze,
Still that Army met its foes,
And the Army went rolling along.
Faith in God, then we’re right,
And we’ll fight with all our might,
As the Army keeps rolling along.
The third chorus, intended to be sung slower and more freely, emphasizes resilience and moral conviction. “Men in rags, men who froze” again evokes the hardships of Valley Forge and other winter campaigns, underscoring the Army’s ability to endure even in dire circumstances. “Faith in God, then we’re right” expresses a belief in divine justification and moral righteousness in their cause. “And we’ll fight with all our might” is a powerful pledge of unwavering determination and strength.
From “Caisson Song” to Anthem: The Song’s Evolution
Originally composed as the “Caisson Song” in 1908 by First Lieutenant Edmund L. Gruber in the Philippines, the melody initially reflected the daily routines of a horse-drawn artillery unit. The original army song lyrics were different, focusing on the artillery caissons. However, the tune’s inherent march-like quality was recognized, and in 1917, John Philip Sousa transformed it into “The Field Artillery Song.”
In 1952, “The Field Artillery Song” was officially adopted as the song of the entire US Army and retitled “The Army Goes Rolling Along.” The current army song lyrics were written to reflect the broader scope of the Army, encompassing its entire history and future. This evolution demonstrates the song’s adaptability and enduring relevance, transforming from a specific unit song to a universally recognized anthem of the entire branch.
A Song of Tradition and Unity
Today, “The Army Goes Rolling Along” is played at the conclusion of every US Army ceremony, and soldiers are expected to stand and sing, showcasing its integral role in Army culture. The army song lyrics serve as a constant reminder of the values, history, and dedication that define the United States Army. It’s a song that not only celebrates the past but also inspires present and future generations of soldiers.
