U S Military Academy at West Point




















  Last Updated: 12/10/98
    ARMY BLUE

    From the 1947 Bugle Notes:

    "Army Blue," traditional tune played for "Graduating Class Front and Center, March," when the First Class steps out of ranks for the final time as cadets, and also played for the last dance at all hops, has its beginning as the song of the Class of 1865. The first six stanzas were written by L.W. Becklaw and the tune is that of an old minstrel song, "Aura Lea." As years passed innumerable verses were added to this and only a few of the more renowned can be presented. The allusion to the "cup" has reference to the "class baby cup" which was to be presented to the parents of the first male child of the class. "Old plebe camp" has disappeared in the passing of Camp Clinton, once the scene of summer training.

    ARMY BLUE

    We've not much longer here to stay,
    For in a month or two,
    We'll bid farewell to "Kaydet Grey",
    And don the "Army Blue".

    Chorus:

    Army Blue, Army Blue,
    Hurrah for the Army Blue,
    We'll bid farewell to "Kaydet Grey",
    And don the "Army Blue".

    With pipe and song we'll jog along.
    Till this short time is through,
    And all among our jovial throng,
    Have donned the Army Blue.

    Chorus.

    To the ladies who come up in June,
    We'll bid a fond adieu,
    Here's hoping they be married soon,
    And join the Army too.

    Chorus.

    'Twas the song we sang in old plebe camp,
    When first our grey was new,
    The song we sang on summer nights,
    That song of Army Blue.

    Chorus.

    Now, fellows, we must say goodbye,
    We've stuck our four years thru,
    Our future is a cloudless sky,
    We'll don the Army Blue.

    Chorus.


    The following original verses of Aura Lea were provided by SGM JohnSartoris, USMA Band Sergeant Major.

    1. When the blackbird in the spring,
    On the willow tree,
    Sat and rocked, I heard him sing,
    Singing Aura Lea
    Aura Lea, Aura Lea,
    Maid of golden hair;
    Sunshine came along with thee,
    And swallows in the air.

    Chorus:
    Aura Lea, Aura Lea,
    Maid of golden hair;
    Sunshine came along with thee,
    And swallows in the air.

    2. In thy blush the rose was born,
    Music when you spake,'
    Through thine azure eye the morn,
    Sparkling seemed to break.
    Aura Lea, Aura Lea,
    Bird of crimson wing,
    Never song have sung to me,
    In that sweet spring.

    Chorus

    3. Aura Lea! The bird may flee,
    The willows golden hair
    Swing through winter fitfully,
    On the stormy air.
    Yet if thy blue eyes I see,
    Gloom will soon depart;
    For to me, sweet Aura Lea
    Is sunshine through the heart.

    Chorus

    4. When the mistletoe was green,
    Midst the winter's snows,
    Sunshine in thy face was seen,
    Kissing lips of rose.
    Aura Lea, Aura Lea,
    Take my golden ring;
    Love and light return with thee,
    And swallows with the spring.

    Chorus

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