The American Heritage Songs Project
#45 The Marines'
Hymn
The United States Marines have the oldest song of any branch of military in America. The song comes from a popular song in Europe during the late 19th century, from an opera by Jacques Offenbach. The song, “Couplets des Deux Hommes d’Armes," or "The Gendarmes Duet" is a comical song about a couple of soldiers and their escapades. It is speculated that a marine wrote the words about the US Marine Corps and set them to Offenbach's tune. Today, the song is well known to represent our brave men and women of the United States Marines, and is performed for patriotic, military, and other solemn events. ​​​​
(U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Iyer P. Ramakrishna) "The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement."
Sheet Music & Lesson Plan
with additional resources
Sheet Music
Lead Sheet
in C Major Recommended Key
Unison with piano accompaniment
in C Major
Unison with piano accompaniment
in Eb Major
Lesson Plan
Video: shows images of Marines in action and plays a karaoke accompaniment in the key of C Major for sing-a-long practice.
JR Videos. (2018, February 16). The Marines’ Hymn (lyrics) – USCM hymn. [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/Qqv6tzeJ9R4?si=9qe6c80ZXXz-c5v_
Video: contains an audio recording of Offenbach's "Gendarmes Duet" in a folksy and comically orchestrated arrangement. Can be used for marching game for younger grades.
John Gregory Knowles – Topic. (2022, October 22). The Gendarmes Duet. [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/b2RrWv3xf5o?si=IirqBAlQX6B9XA2b
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Marines singing at Quantico, Virginia
More Song Background
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Take a look at The official website of the United States Marine Corps where you can learn more about the history of the song and view some awesome performances.​​
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​Marines. (n.d.). The Marines' Hymn. [webpage]. https://www.marineband.marines.mil/Audio-Resources/The-Marines-Hymn/
United States Marine Band. (2016, November 10). The Marines' Hymn - "The President's Own" U.S. Marine Band - 2016. [Video] YouTube. https://youtu.be/uGdkJcP3jNU?si=VdKAA6H6bF_uPtMq
(U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Scott Jenkins) "The apperance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement."