The Caisson Song

This song was originally written by field artillery First Lieutenant (later Brigadier General) Edmund L. Gruber, while stationed in the Philippines in 1908 as "The Caisson Song." The original lyrics reflect routine activities in a horse-drawn field artillery battery. The song was transformed into a march by John Philip Sousa in 1917 and renamed "The Field Artillery Song." As Sousa was perhaps the most famous musician of the time, it became very popular during World War I.

It was adopted in 1952 as the official song of the Army and retitled, "The Army Goes Rolling Along." It is played at the conclusion of every Army ceremony and all soldiers are expected to stand and sing. We show the original lyrics, but you can find the modern lyrics on the Army web site:

http://bands.army.mil/history/music/armysong.asp

It is a lot of fun for Boomwhackers® with or without vocals. For extra fun, add some simple movement using the Boomwhackers® shouldered like rifles are as soldiers drill.