At the Gris we often get groups of sailors on leave from the sub base in Groton, CT; They love the old songs and they often are the most enthusiastic singers during the choruses. With a couple of occasions coming up in December 2013 and then again early in 2014, I had been asked to perform the US Navy March song and I have included it here…
The below explanation and lyrics come from the Naval History and Heritage Command website. The chords are what I use and I have included them for your usage.
“Anchors Aweigh” was written in 1906 as a march for the Naval Academy Class of 1907. The music was composed by Lt. Charles A. Zimmerman, bandmaster of the Naval Academy; the lyrics were written by Midshipman Alfred H. Miles. It was first performed at the Army-Navy football game in Philadelphia in 1906 (Navy beat Army 10-0!).
Today, the song has become an important part of Chief Petty Officers training. While there is a proposal to include protocol for performing “Anchors Aweigh” in the Navy Regulations and to designate it the official song of the U.S. Navy, it remains an unofficial service song. There are numerous variations in the words to “Anchors Aweigh;” this version is considered the original version.
Jos. Morneault
Anchors Aweigh (1906 version)
C Am C G C
Stand Navy out to sea, Fight our Battle Cry;
F C D G
We’ll never change our course, So vicious foe steer shy-y-y-y.
C Am C G C
Roll out the TNT, An-chors A-weigh.
F C C G C
Sail on to Victory and sink their bones to Davy Jones, Hoo-ray!
Anchors Away, my boys, Anchors Aweigh.
Farewell to foreign shores, We sail at break of day-ay-ay-ay.
Through our last night on shore, Drink to the foam,
Until we meet once more. Here’s wishing you a happy voyage home.
Blue of the Mighty Deep; Gold of God’s Sun
Let these colors be till all of time be done, done, done,
On seven seas we learn Navy’s stern call:
Faith, Courage, Service true, with Honor, Over Honor, Over All.