Marines
Mormon Tabernacle Choir Lyrics


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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 every 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

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of the Marine's Hymn describe the pride and honor that comes with serving in the United States Marine Corps. The first two lines referring to the Halls of Montezuma and the shores of Tripoli pay tribute to the Marine Corps’ involvement in the Mexican-American War and the First Barbary War. The desert climate and the treacherous waters of these battles demonstrate the Marines’ adaptability to combat in various environments: air, land, or sea.


In the next verse, the hymn emphasizes the Marines’ commitment to fight for what is right; their duty is not only to protect the country’s freedom but to also maintain their personal honor. This is an important facet of being a Marine who values duty, honor, and country. The phrase “to keep our honor clean” reflects the Marines’ credo, that they should stand up for what is right and have integrity in all aspects of life.


The final verse extols the glory of the Marine Corps and praises its steadfastness in battle. The Marines have fought in harsh conditions ranging from the freezing temperatures of the North, to the humid tropics of the South. The phrase, “you will find us always on the job,” shows the Marines’ readiness and willingness to go where they are needed, a concept that is still upheld by the Corps.


Overall, the Marine's Hymn is an anthem that encapsulates the pride, honor, and spirit of the United States Marines Corps.


Line by Line Meaning

From the Halls of Montezuma
Starting at the battle site of Montezuma, a Mexican fortress in the Battle of Chapultepec, where U.S. Marines were instrumental in the victory.


To the shores of Tripoli
Traveling from Montezuma to Tripoli, where Marines first fought against the Barbary pirates in the early days of the United States, protecting American merchant vessels.


We fight our country's battles
We are an integral part of the country's military force, fighting for the greater good.


In the air, on land, and sea
We Marines serve in all branches of military operations, from the skies, to land, and sea.


First to fight for right and freedom
We are the first branch to go into combat for what is right and to protect our nation's rights and freedoms.


And to keep our honor clean
We fight with honor and integrity and keep our reputation pure and untarnished, preserving the integrity of the Marine Corps.


We are proud to claim the title
Proud to wear the title of a United States Marine. It's an honor and distinction that cannot be taken lightly or casually.


Of United States Marine
The honor of being a part of the Marine Corps is significant and a lifelong achievement deserving of much respect.


Our flag's unfurled to every breeze
The Marine Corps flag, representative of the nation we defend, is flown with pride and honor, in all weather and at all times.


From dawn to setting sun
From sunrise to sunset, day or night, the flag flies and the Marines serve and protect.


We have fought in every clime and place
From the tundra to the tropics, Marines have fought and served their nation regardless of the environment, topography or culture.


Where we could take a gun
Whenever and wherever armed combat was required to defend the freedoms of our nation, Marines were there.


In the snow of far-off Northern lands
From the frozen tundra of the northern most territories, Marines have served and fought for the nation - even in the harshest environments.


And in sunny tropic scenes
Marines have served and fought under the blazing tropical sun, in difficult terrain, and tropical climates without relent.


You will find us always on the job
The mission of the United States Marine Corps is a 24/7 endeavor, with our Marines constantly trained and prepared for whatever mission comes their way.


The United States Marines
The core of the United States Marine Corps is the fighting spirit, dedication, and commitment of our Marines. It is an honor and privilege to serve as one of the few, proud, and elite members of this distinguished branch of the military.


Here's health to you and to our Corps
May those who serve and have served in the Marine Corps enjoy long, healthy, and productive lives, as well as commemorate the Corps' many achievements and contributions to the security of our nation.


Which we are proud to serve
Above all else, Marines are proud to serve their country and would gladly give their lives for the greater good and the ideals of our nation.


In many a strife we've fought for life
Marines have been involved in many conflicts, and have fought and served to protect the lives and freedoms of our fellow citizens.


And never lost our nerve
Marines have demonstrated time and time again in a variety of conflicts and terrains, that they possess the courage and bravery to carry out the mission and protect their fellow service members.


If the Army and the Navy
While the Marine Corps is smaller than the Army and the Navy, it is no less an integral force in the national defense of the United States.


Ever look on Heaven's scenes
In the afterlife, should the Army and Navy ever look upon a reflection of their service, Marines will have ensured that it is part of a protected and free nation.


They will find the streets are guarded
The security and defense of the United States, as well as its people, is always at the forefront of the Marine Corps' mission.


By United States Marines
The United States Marine Corps is uniquely American, and has long been known for its bravery, courage and ever present commitment to national defense and the greater good.




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS

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Comments from YouTube:

Marcus Lind

Amazing! Greetings from Germany 🙂

Menadro T. Escueta

Perfect ....

GodAndCountry

Semper fidelis!

Kermit the Mutant Levitating Frog

A legendary crossover

Sergio José Espino Gregorio

I'm pretty sure this has been one of the best videos I've ever seen. My skin crawls from listening too much musical quality.
Greetings to MTCh and U.S. Marine Band

Ana Seini Langi

Thank you for your services Men and women of the Army and to all who serve to protect your countries.

KoolerTrek

I’m Catholic but the Mormón Tabernacle Choir is amazing. Living in Salt Lake City, UT there weekly concert and their biannual Conference is on the local TV channel.

KoolerTrek

Yes I know that it I liked entering my feelings. I don’t know how to directly reply to your message so I hope this reaches u!

John Olsen

Semper Paratus!

Robert Norwood

Brought tears to this old soldier's eyes.

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