Sound Off (The Duckworth Chant) | Military Cadence
(Lyrics & History)
The U.S. Military uses "Jodies," rhythmic chants, to keep troops in step, boost morale, and promote teamwork during marches and runs. These chants are an enduring part of military tradition.
Sound Off, also known as “The Duckworth Chant” is a prominent U.S. military cadence that has played a significant role in marching and drilling routines since it was written in 1944 by Private Willie Lee Duckworth.
Private Duckworth introduced this call-and-response chant to uplift the spirits of his fellow soldiers during a strenuous march. It boosted morale and also enhanced coordination and unity among the troops. The pattern of this cadence and verses reflects on the military life, challenges, and camaraderie. Cadence, also known as Jodies gained popularity fast at the end of WW2 and have remained a part of US military drill and ceremony ever since.
Lyrics
The heads are up, the chests are out
The arms are swinging in cadence count
Sound off (one two)
Sound off (three four)
Cadence count
One-two-three-four,
One-two, three Four!
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​​You had a good home but you left (you're right)
You had a good home but you left (you're right)
Jody was there when you left (you're right)
Your baby was home when you left (you're right)
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​​Your baby was lonely as lonely could be
(Till Jody provided company)
Ain’t it great to have a pal
(Who’ll work so hard to keep up morale)
Related to: Sound Off
Listen to this cadence:
Song Name: Sound Off (The Duckworth Chant)
Album Name: Cadences Volume 4
by Jonathan Michael Fleming
​Sound off (one two)
Sound off (three four)
Cadence count
One-two-three-four,
One-two, three Four!
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​​The captain rides in a Jeep (you're right)
The sergeant rides in a truck (you're right)
The general rides in a limousine
But we're just out of luck (you're right)
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You ain’t got nothing to worry about
(He’ll keep her happy till I get out)
But you won’t get home till the end of the war
(In 19-hundred and 74)
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​​The heads are up, the chests are out
The arms are swinging in cadence count
Sound off (one two)
Sound off (three four)
Cadence count
One-two-three-four,
One-two, three Four!
DISCLAIMERS:
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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.
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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.