The Mormon Tabernacle Choir is made up of some 360 men and women, all of whom are volunteers. There are many husband-wife combinations and many families have participated in the choir for generations. Choir members are currently limited to twenty years of participation, allowing new members to join the choir on a regular basis.
The choir was founded in August 1847, one month after the Mormon Pioneers entered the Salt Lake Valley. The choir is completely self-funded, traveling and producing albums to support their organization. Choir members are not paid for their participation or performances.
Although the choir has traditionally been recognized for its sound quality, the most recent director, Craig Jessop, a student of Robert Shaw, has made changes designed to improve the overall quality of the choir. Jessop's efforts to add vitality to the choir's sound include the formation of The Orchestra at Temple Square, the 2005 addition of The Bells on Temple Square (a hand bell choir), and continual refinement of the choir's tone, enunciation, and repetoire. The minimum age for participation has been reduced from 30 to 25. In addition, new choir members participate in The Temple Square Chorale training choir, a combination music theory/performance school led by associate director and composer/arranger Mack Wilberg.
Anchors Aweigh
Mormon Tabernacle Choir Lyrics
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Sails set to the sky.
We'll never change our course,
So Army you steer shy-y-y-y.
Roll up the score, Navy,
Anchors Aweigh.
Sail Navy down the field
And sink the Army, sink the Army Grey.
Get underway, Navy,
Decks cleared for the fray,
We'll hoist true Navy Blue
So Army down your Grey-y-y-y.
Full speed ahead, Navy;
Army heave to,
Furl Black and Grey and Gold
And hoist the Navy, hoist the Navy Blue
Blue of the Seven Seas;
Gold of God's great sun
Let these our colors be Till
All of time be done-n-n-ne,
By Severn shore we learn
Navy's stern call:
Faith, courage, service true
With honor over, honor over all.
The song "Anchors Aweigh" by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir is an empowering tune that celebrates the strength and courage of the United States Navy. The lyrics convey a sense of pride and determination as the sailors set sail with their sails up and their course unchanged. The song is directed towards their great rival - the Army, as they urge the Navy to "sink the Army, sink the Army Grey." The song commands, "get underway, Navy, decks cleared for the fray," as they hoist the true Navy Blue and leave their opponents far behind.
The song then goes on to extol the glory of the Navy's colors - the "Blue of the Seven Seas" and "Gold of God's great sun." These colors are a symbol of the Navy's strength and prestige, and as such, the song calls upon them to be the colors of the Navy until the end of time. In conclusion, the song reminds the sailors of the Navy's call - "Faith, courage, service true with honor over all" as they fulfill their duties with resolve and integrity.
Line by Line Meaning
Stand Navy down the field,
Let's guide the ship down the field of battle
Sails set to the sky.
Raise the sails, let's journey on high.
We'll never change our course,
We will remain steadfast, we will not be weakened nor moved.
So Army you steer shy-y-y-y.
So Army, be warned and stay away.
Roll up the score, Navy,
Let's score as high as possible.
Anchors Aweigh.
Let the anchors be lifted, let's sail forward.
Sail Navy down the field
Guide the navy Down the long run
And sink the Army, sink the Army Grey.
Defeat Army to show superiority
Get underway, Navy,
Let's start and get underway as Navy!
Decks cleared for the fray,
Get on board, be ready for battle.
We'll hoist true Navy Blue
Raise high the blue flag to show our loyalty and pride.
So Army down your Grey-y-y-y.
The Army's grey flag should be pulled down in defeat.
Full speed ahead, Navy;
Go fast, don't stop.
Army heave to,
Army, stop your ship and surrender.
Furl Black and Grey and Gold
Put the black, grey, and gold flags away
And hoist the Navy, hoist the Navy Blue
Raise high the blue flag to show our loyalty and pride.
Blue of the Seven Seas;
The blue water of the seven oceans
Gold of God's great sun
Gold color of warmth and brilliance of the sun
Let these our colors be Till
Let Navy's flag colors always be this.
All of time be done-n-n-ne,
Until the very end of eternity.
By Severn shore we learn
On the shore of Severn we gained knowledge.
Navy's stern call:
Navy's call to duty and honor.
Faith, courage, service true
Believe, be brave and serve with honor
With honor over, honor over all.
Let everything be done honorably and with respect.
Lyrics © HAL LEONARD CORPORATION
Written by: ALFRED H MILES, CHARLES A ZIMMERMAN, DOMENICO SAVINO, GEORGE LOTTMAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind