The Army Song

History

The Army Song is officially titled 'The Army Goes Rolling Along.' It was originally composed in 1908 as 'The Caisson Song' by First Lieutenant Edmund L. Gruber while he was stationed in the Philippines with the 5th Field Artillery.

The melody became widely popular during World War I and was associated with the artillery branch. In 1952, Major Harold W. Arberg adapted the song to reflect the entire Army, and it was officially designated as the Army Song in 1956 by the Secretary of the Army.

Lyrics: Intro

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:

Lyrics: First Verse

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.

Lyrics: Chorus

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.

Board Tips

You WILL be asked to sing the Army Song at most boards. Practice singing it — not just reciting the words. Know the original title ('The Caisson Song'), who composed it (1LT Edmund Gruber), who adapted it (MAJ Harold W. Arberg), and when it became the official Army Song (1956). Know the difference between the Intro, the First Verse, and the Chorus so you can start singing exactly where the board asks. Caissons were the horse-drawn carts that carried artillery ammunition.