Hail O' Infantry | Military Cadence
(Lyrics & History)
The United States Military has a longstanding tradition of marching to call-and-response songs, known as cadences or Jodies, which are led by a troop leader, Drill Sergeant, or Instructor. This practice, initiated by PVT Willie Lee Duckworth during World War II, is vital in boot camps, leadership schools, and physical training. Since 1944, cadences have been utilized with tempos of 120 BPM for marching and 180 BPM for running, providing a steady rhythm that fosters unit cohesion and boosts morale. Additionally, they help troops synchronize their movements and manage their breathing effectively.
Cadences have evolved to adopt a striking and provocative tone, preparing new recruits for challenges in their duties and combat. "Hail O' Infantry" highlights the grunts who win wars. And let's face it: The Infantry just has the best cadences.
Lyrics
Oh Hail o’, hail o’ Infantry
Queen of battle follow me
Where nothing in this world is free
Should have joined the infantry
Early at night in drizzling rain
I am hit but feel no pain
For in my heart I have no fear
For I know my God is here
Oh Hail o’ (Hey!), oh hail o’ (Hey!), oh hail, oh hail o’ Infantry
(Oh Hail o’, oh hail o’, oh hail, oh hail o’ Infantry!)
Queen of battle follow me
Where nothing in this world is free
Should have joined the infantry
Hail O’ Infantry
Up in the morning, out of the rack
Greeted by a mortar attack
First Sergeant rushes me off to chow
But I don’t eat it anyhow
Oh Hail o’, hail o’ Infantry
Queen of battle follow me
Where nothing in this world is free
Should have joined the infantry
C-130s in the sky
All will jump, but some will die
Off to battle we will go
Live or die, well I don’t know
Related Products
Listen to this cadence:
Song Name: Hail O' Infantry
Album Name: Cadences Volume 2
by Jonathan Michael Fleming
DISCLAIMERS:
The lyrics and music to the above cadence are not original to me. To the best of my knowledge, the song is in the public domain, as the author is unknown and has simply been handed down generation-to-generation within the US military.
The views and opinions presented herein are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of DoD or its Components. Appearance of, or reference to, any commercial products or services does not constitute DoD endorsement of those products or services. The appearance of external hyperlinks does not constitute DoD endorsement of the linked websites, or the information, products or services therein.