--- title: "The Marines’ Hymn will make you want to re-enlist" description: "The United States Marine Corps has bravely served our country since 1775, and The Marines' Hymn reflects that legacy. Read more on WATM." date: "2021-03-26" modified: "2021-03-26" authors: - name: "Shannon Corbeil" job_title: "Contributor, Air Force Veteran" link: "https://www.wearethemighty.com/authors/scorbeil/" url: "https://www.wearethemighty.com/music/the-marines-hymn-will-make-you-want-to-re-enlist/" categories: - "Entertainment" - "History" - "Marine Corps" - "Music" --- # The Marines’ Hymn will make you want to re-enlist ![]() The United States Marine Corps has bravely served our country since 1775, and *The Marines' Hymn* reflects that legacy. --- Here are five things you might not know about the iconic song: ### 1. The tune derives from an aria in a 19th century comedic opera [The melody originally came from Jacques Offenbach's opera]() *Genevieve de Brabant* in the mid-1800s. ### 2. The lyricist is unknown No one seems to know who wrote the lyrics to the hymn, but they have shifted slightly over time to reflect the evolution of the Corps. In 1942, the final changes were made to [reflect the addition of aviation to the Marine Corps mission](). The first verse's fourth line, "On the land as on the sea" became "In the air, on land, and sea." ![]() *Marine Corps MV-22 Ospreys fly over the Arabian Sea. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Keonaona C. Paulo)* ### 3. It specifically mentions battles from the 1800s The opening line "From the Halls of Montezuma" refers to the capture of Mexico City and the Castle of Chapultepec in 1847 during the Mexican-American War. ### 4. The American flag was first flown in an overseas victory at Tripoli "To the Shores of Tripoli" pays homage to the First Barbary War, when U.S Marines helped capture the Tripolitan city of Derna in modern day Libya in 1805. It was the first time Old Glory was raised in victory on foreign soil. ### 5. It'll tell you everything you need to know about the Marines The lyrics aptly reflect the spirit of the Corps, mentioning the "fight for right and freedom," the importance of honor, and even a bit of branch rivalry: "If the Army and the Navy ever look on Heaven's scenes; they will find the streets are guarded by United States Marines." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sSRlQPD6Xiw [SemperFiOorah1]() | YouTube ### Also read: [The hater's guide to the US Marine Corps]() [Here are the official 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. ## Author Shannon Corbeil has worked for We Are The Mighty as a digital video producer, writer, and host, as well as a staff writer covering military history, trivia, and valor. Shannon is a fierce veteran advocate, covering the achievements of members of the military community and volunteering in multiple veteran non-profit organizations, including Pin-Ups for Vets and Warriors for Peace Theatre. Her undergraduate degree is in Humanities and Philosophy and her Masters is in Strategic Intelligence. A screenwriter and actor recently seen on SEAL TEAM and THE ROOKIE, Shannon writes about exciting projects in the entertainment industry. She is an alum of the Writers Guild Foundation Veterans Writing Project, a Finalist in the Disney TV Writing Fellowship, an inaugural fellow for the STARZ/VME #TakeTheLead Program, and has performed at the Geffen Playhouse and Kennedy Center as a writer, dancer, singer, and actor. As a U.S. Air Force Intelligence Officer, Shannon supported the 25th Fighter Squadron at Osan Air Base, South Korea, and conducted Cyber Threat Analysis at the National Security Agency. Her work has been seen in Business Insider, Task & Purpose, Military.com, and various other publications. ### Author social links [Facebook]() [Bluesky]() [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()