Hail to the Chief

"**Hail to the Chief**" is the personal anthem of the President of the United States (POTUS). It was written by Albert Gamse and the music, based on a traditional Scottish tune, was rearranged by English musician James Sanderson. First published on May 8, 1812, the song was adopted in 1954. Gamse's two-stanza version wasn't as popular, however. Sir Walter Scott created a four-stanza version of the song.

When the President of the United States arrive at public events, this song is played at inauguration ceremonies. For major official occasions, the song os typically performed by military ensembles, particularly the U.S. Marine Band. Directives of the Department of Defense gave it official status in 1954.

It is preceded by four ruffles and flourishes when played for the President. The song is also played during a former deceased President's funeral after the casket is removed from the hearse.

## History

Verses from Sir Walter Scott's 1810 narrative poem *The Lady of the Lake* were set to music around 1812 by the James Sanderson, who was a self-taught English violinist and was also the conductor of the Surrey Theatre in London. He wrote many songs for local theatrical productions during the 1790s and the early years of the 19th century.

Scott's romance was quickly made into unauthorized romantic melodramas. In November 1810, Scott wrote to a friend that *The Lady of the Lake* was being made into a play by Martin and Reynolds in London and by Mr. Siddons in Edinburgh, Scotland. Around the same time, Scott received a letter from a friend and army officer who ended his note with a copy of the music of the Boat Song "Hail to the Chief".

A version of Scott's poem debuted in New York on May 8, 1812, and "Hail to the Chief" was published in Philadelphia that day. Many parodies appeared due to its rapidly growing popularity at the time.

### Association with the President

Association with the President first occurred in 1815, honoring both George Washington. On July 4, 1828 (Independence Day), the Marine Band performed the song at a ceremony for the formal opening of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, which President John Quincy Adams attended.

Andrew Jackson was the first living President to have the song used to honor his position in 1829, and it was played at Martin Van Buren's inauguration in 1837. Julia Tyler, second wife of John Tyler, requested its use to announce the arrival of the President. Her successor as First Lady, Sarah Childress Polk, encouraged its regular use in this manner after it was used at James Polk's inauguration.

During the American Civil War from 1861 to 1865, "Hail to the Chief" was also used to announce the arrival of Confederate President Jefferson Davis. On October 3, 1861, Davis visited with Generals P. G. T. Beauregard, Joseph Eggleston Johnston, and Gustavus Woodson Smith at Fairfax Court House (now Fairfax, Virginia) for a Council of War. While at Fairfax, President Davis also conducted a formal Review of the Troops, which numbered about 30,000. At the start of the review, the band of the 1st Virginia Infantry struck up "Hail to the Chief" and concluded with "Dixie".

President Chester A. Arthur didn't like the song and asked John Philip Sousa to compose a new song called "Presidential Polonaise". But the Marine Band resumed playing "Hail to the Chief" after Arthur left office.

In 1954, the Department of Defense made it the official tribute to the President. The 1969 hit anti-Vietnam war single, "Fortunate Son" by the American rock group Creedence Clearwater Revival, specifically named "Hail to the Chief" when referring to patriots and jingoists.

## Lyrics

### Original by Albert Gamse

Hail to the Chief we have chosen for the nation,

Hail to the Chief! We salute him, 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!

### Original by Walter Scott

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!"

Ours is no sapling, chance-sown by the fountain,

Blooming at Beltane, in winter to fade;

When the whirlwind has stript every leaf on the mountain,

The more shall Clan Alpine exult in her shade.

Moor'd in the lifted rock,

Proof to the tempest's shock,

Firmer he roots him, the ruder it blow:

Menteith and Breadalbane, then,

Echo his praise agen,

"Roderigh Vich Alpine Dhu, ho! i-e-roe!"

Proudly our pibroch has thrill'd in Glen Fruin,

And Blanochar's groans to our slogan replied,

Glen Luss and Ross Dhu, they are smoking in ruin,

And the best of Loch Lomond lie dead on our side.

Widow and Saxon maid,

Long shall lament our raid,

Think of Clan Alpine with fear and with woe.

Lenox and Levon Glen,

Shake when they hear agen

"Roderigh Vich Alpine Dhu, ho! i-e-roe!"

Row, vassals, row for the pride of the Highlands!

Stretch to your oars for the evergreen pine!

O, that the rosebud that graces yon islands,

Were wreath'd in a garland around him to twine.

O, that some seedling gem,

Worthy such noble stem,

Honour'd and blest in their shadow might grow;

Loud should Clan Alpine then,

Ring from her deepmost glen,

"Roderigh Vich Alpine Dhu, ho! i-e-roe!"