"Hail to the Chief" is a piece of music best known as the personal anthem of the President of the United States. Its original purpose was to announce arrival by boat at an island in a Scottish loch, which was adapted by James Sanderson from an original Scottish Gaelic melody.

The song's playing accompanies the appearance of the president of the United States at many public events; it is also played at inauguration ceremonies, playing at the arrival of the incumbent president (outgoing or newly re-elected, as the case may be), and immediately after the president takes his oath of office. For a time, it was also played at the end of the ceremonies with the departure of the president. For major official occasions, the United States Marine Band and other military ensembles are generally the performers, so directives of the United States Department of Defense have, since 1954, been the main basis for according it official status. It is preceded by four ruffles and flourishes when played for the president. The song is also played during a former President's state funeral after the casket is removed from the hearse. Its age puts the song into the public domain.

History

Verses from Walter Scott's 1810 narrative poem The Lady of the Lake were set to music around 1812 by James Sanderson (c. 1769 – c. 1841), a self-taught English violinist and the conductor of the Surrey Theatre, London. Sanderson also wrote many songs for local theatrical productions during the 1790s and the early years of the 19th century.

The music was first associated with the President in 1815, when it was played under the name "Wreaths for the Chieftain" to honor both George Washington and the end of the War of 1812. 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.

President Chester A. Arthur did not like the song and asked John Philip Sousa to compose a new song entitled "Presidential Polonaise". After Arthur left office, the Marine Band resumed playing "Hail to the Chief" for public appearances by the President.

In 1954, the Department of Defense made it the official tribute to the President.

Gerald Ford did not use the song during his administration, preferring to be introduced with "The Victors", the fight song of his alma mater University of Michigan.

President Jimmy Carter banned the playing of the song for a brief time during his tenure. The decision proved to be extremely unpopular among the American public, however, and Carter later reversed himself.

Lyrics

thumb|Sheet music for the song whose tune became the presidential fanfare, with the melody, on the middle staff, carried by "First Voice"

Albert Gamse wrote lyrics set to James Sanderson's music, but they are rarely sung:

Sir Walter Scott wrote lyrics for "Boat Song" in Canto Second of his poem "The Lady of the Lake":

See also

  • "Hail, America"
  • United States military music customs
  • Ave Maria (Schubert)
  • Leitmotif

References

Further reading

  • Collins, Ace. Songs Sung, Red, White, and Blue: The Stories Behind America's Best-Loved Patriotic Songs. HarperResource, 2003.
  • Ruffles and flourishes with "Hail to the Chief" (MP3)
  • Library of Congress Performing Arts Encyclopedia "Hail to the chief (Song Collection)"