The lyrics to Anchors Aweigh

Anchors Aweigh was composed in 1906, with music by Lieutenant Charles A. Zimmermann, and lyrics by Midshipman Alfred Hart Miles. Zimmermann was the bandmaster of the Naval Academy Band and had been composing a new march for each graduating class. Miles requested a special march that could be played for years to come and could be used as a march at their football games — especially in their games against Army, as the lyrics demonstrate. Miles helped by writing the first two stanzas, which are shown below. For more info on the song and additional lyrics, visit the U.S. Navy’s Anchors Aweigh webpage.

Anchors Aweigh lyrics:

Stand Navy down the field, sails set to the sky.
We'll never change our course, so Army you steer shy-y-y-y.
Roll up the score, Navy, Anchors Aweigh.
Sail Navy down the field and sink the Army, sink the Army Grey.

Get underway, Navy, Decks cleared for the fray,
We'll hoist true Navy Blue So Army down your Grey-y-y-y.
Full speed ahead, Navy; Army heave to,
Furl Black and Grey and Gold and hoist the Navy, hoist the Navy Blue.

Select an image below to view and print sheet music written for each instrument, as well as educational materials.