Hail to the Chief facts for kids
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| Personal anthem of | the president of the United States |
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| Lyrics | Albert Gamse |
| Music | James Sanderson, 1812 |
| Adopted | 1954 |
"Hail to the Chief" is a special song that announces the arrival of the President of the United States. It's like a personal theme song for the President! This tune was originally from a Scottish poem. It was adapted by James Sanderson in 1812.
When the President appears at public events, this song is played. It's also heard at inauguration ceremonies when a new President takes office. The United States Marine Band often plays it. Since 1954, the United States Department of Defense has made it the official song for the President. Before "Hail to the Chief" begins, four short musical fanfares called "ruffles and flourishes" are played. The song is also played at a former President's state funeral. Because it's very old, the song is now in the public domain, meaning anyone can use it.
Contents
History of Hail to the Chief
Origins in Scotland
The song's tune comes from a poem written by Sir Walter Scott in 1810. His poem was called The Lady of the Lake. In the poem, a song called "The Boat Song" was used. This song announced the arrival of a chieftain named Roderick Dhu by boat.
Around 1812, a musician named James Sanderson set parts of Scott's poem to music. Sanderson was an English violinist and conductor. He wrote many songs for plays during the early 1800s.
The original words from Scott's poem that inspired the song were:
Hail to the Chief who in triumph advances!
Honored and blessed be the ever-green Pine!
First Uses in America
Scott's poem quickly became popular and was turned into plays. A play version of Lady of the Lake first opened in New York on May 8, 1812. The song "Hail to the Chief" was published in Philadelphia around the same time. Many funny versions of the song were made, showing how popular it was.
The song was first linked to the American President in 1815. It was played to honor George Washington and celebrate the end of the War of 1812. On July 4, 1828, the U.S. Marine Band played the song. This was at a ceremony for the opening of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal. President John Quincy Adams was there.
Becoming the President's Song
Andrew Jackson was the first living President to have the song played for him in 1829. It was also played at Martin Van Buren's inauguration in 1837.
Julia Tyler, who was President John Tyler's second wife, asked for the song to be used to announce the President's arrival. Her successor, Sarah Childress Polk, encouraged its regular use. This started after it was played at James Polk's inauguration. Historian William Seale said that President Polk was not very tall or noticeable. So, the song helped people know when he entered a crowded room.
During the American Civil War (1861–1865), the song was also used by the Confederate President Jefferson Davis. It was played when he reviewed his troops in 1861.
President Chester A. Arthur did not like "Hail to the Chief." He asked John Philip Sousa to write a new song for him. Sousa wrote "Presidential Polonaise." But after Arthur left office, the Marine Band went back to playing "Hail to the Chief" for the President.
In 1954, the Department of Defense officially made "Hail to the Chief" the tribute song for the President.
For a short time, President Jimmy Carter stopped the song from being played. However, many Americans did not like this decision. So, President Carter later changed his mind and brought the song back.
Lyrics of Hail to the Chief
There are lyrics written by Albert Gamse for James Sanderson's music. However, these words are almost never sung today.
Hail to the Chief we have chosen for the nation,
Hail to the Chief! We salute you, one and all.
Hail to the Chief, as we pledge cooperation,
In proud fulfillment of a great, noble call.
Yours is the aim to make this grand country grander,
This you will do, that is our strong, firm belief.
Hail to the one we selected as commander,
Hail to the President! Hail to the Chief!
The original lyrics were written by Sir Walter Scott. They were part of his "Boat Song" in the poem "The Lady of the Lake". The first verse of his original poem read:
Hail to the chief, who in triumph advances,
Honour'd and blessed be the evergreen pine!
Long may the tree in his banner that glances,
Flourish the shelter and grace of our line.
Heaven send it happy dew,
Earth lend it sap anew,
Gaily to bourgeon and broadly to grow;
While every Highland glen,
Sends our shout back again
"Roderigh Vich Alpine Dhu, ho! i-e-roe!"
See also
In Spanish: Hail to the Chief para niños
