Songs About Marines have long captured the courage, sacrifice, and brotherhood of those who serve in the United States Marine Corps.
From traditional military anthems to modern tributes, these songs tell powerful stories of duty and honor.
Music has a unique way of preserving history, inspiring service members, and connecting civilians to the experiences of the Marines.
Whether through patriotic marches, emotional ballads, or high-energy rock anthems, these songs reflect the spirit of the Corps.
In this collection, we explore some of the most memorable Songs About Marines that celebrate their unwavering dedication and strength.
1. “Song Of The Marines” by United States Marine Band (1998) – Perfect Classical Song About Marines
About this song:
- Album: The Blessings of Liberty
- Released: 1998
- Artist: United States Marine Band
- Genre: Classical
- Key Lyric: “They will find the streets are guarded. By United States Marines..”
Released in 1998, “Song Of The Marines” is a powerful composition performed by the United States Marine Band.
This song serves as a musical tribute to the Marine Corps, reinforcing their role in safeguarding the nation.
With its grand orchestration, it carries the tradition of military band music that stirs pride and patriotism.
The lyrics reflect the steadfast duty of Marines, ensuring that communities remain safe under their watch.
It remains a significant piece in Marine Corps celebrations, parades, and military events, symbolizing their unwavering dedication.
2. “Call a Marine” by Toby Keith (2013) – Best Country Song About Marines
About this song:
- Album: Drinks After Work
- Released: 2013
- Artist: Toby Keith
- Genre: Country
- Key Lyric: “Call a Marine. Instead of 911.”
In 2013, “Call a Marine” was released as part of Toby Keith’s album Drinks After Work, blending patriotism with country storytelling.
The song highlights the reliability and strength of Marines, suggesting that when in trouble, they are the ones to call.
Toby Keith, known for his support of the military, uses this song to honor the Marines’ readiness to serve and protect.
It captures the fearless and dependable nature of the Corps, portraying them as the ultimate problem solvers.
With its catchy melody and strong lyrics, it resonates with both military families and country music fans alike.
3. “Song of the Marines” by Harry Warren (1937) – Recommended Classical Song About Marines
About this song:
- Album: Uncommon Valor
- Released: 1937
- Artist: Harry Warren
- Genre: Band Music, Classical
- Key Lyric: “In order to fill up and fatten the fightin’ Marines. The mighty Marines.”
“Song of the Marines” was composed in 1937 by Harry Warren and quickly became a widely recognized military anthem.
Written during a time of global tension, it was meant to boost morale and emphasize the strength of the Marine Corps.
The song captures the disciplined and determined spirit of Marines, celebrating their legacy as fearless warriors.
With its uplifting marching rhythm, it has been used in military training and public ceremonies for decades.
It remains a symbol of the Marine Corps’ pride, encouraging recruits and honoring veterans alike.
4. “American Soldier” by Toby Keith (2003) – Awesome Country Song
About this song:
- Album: Shock’n Y’all
- Released: 2003
- Artist: Toby Keith
- Genre: Country
- Key Lyric: “I’m an American soldier, an American. Beside my brothers and my sisters I will proudly take a stand.”
“American Soldier” was released in 2003 as part of Toby Keith’s album Shock’n Y’all, becoming an anthem for U.S. troops.
The song pays tribute to all American service members, including Marines, highlighting their courage and sacrifices.
Toby Keith wrote it as a heartfelt dedication to the men and women who put their lives on the line for their country.
It emphasizes the strength and resilience of those who serve, capturing the emotions of military families.
Played at numerous military events, the song continues to inspire patriotism and appreciation for the armed forces.
5. “Dress Blues” by Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit (2007) – Remarkable Country Song About Marines
About this song:
- Album: Sirens of the Ditch
- Released: 2007
- Artist: Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit
- Genre: Rock, Country
- Key Lyric: “Now the high school gymnasium’s ready. Full of flowers and old legionnaires.”
“Dress Blues” is a somber tribute to a fallen Marine, inspired by the real-life story of Marine Cpl. Matthew Conley.
Jason Isbell wrote the song after learning that Conley, a fellow Alabama native, had died in Iraq just before his 22nd birthday.
The lyrics paint a heartbreaking picture of a military funeral, capturing the grief of a small-town community mourning one of its own.
Through vivid imagery, Isbell contrasts the Marine’s sacrifice with the everyday life he left behind, making the loss feel deeply personal.
More than just a war song, “Dress Blues” reflects on the cost of service and the reality of young soldiers who never return home.
6. “Travelin’ Soldier” by The Chicks (2002) – Stunning Bluegrass Song
About this song:
- Album: Home
- Released: 2002
- Artist: The Chicks
- Genre: Classic Country, Bluegrass
- Key Lyric: “Waitin’ for the love of a travelin’ soldier. Our love will never end.”
“Travelin’ Soldier” tells the touching story of a young Marine who leaves for war while his love waits for his return.
Written by Bruce Robison and later popularized by The Chicks, it paints a deeply emotional picture of love and loss.
The song contrasts the innocence of youthful romance with the harsh realities of war.
Its gentle bluegrass arrangement amplifies the sadness of a soldier’s sacrifice and the loneliness felt at home.
This ballad remains a heartfelt tribute to those in the armed forces and the loved ones who support them from afar.
7. “God Bless the USA” by Lee Greenwood (1984) – Excellent Country Song About Marines
About this song:
- Album: You’ve Got a Good Love Comin’
- Released: 1984
- Artist: Lee Greenwood
- Genre: Country
- Key Lyric: “From the lakes of Minnesota. To the hills of Tennessee.”
When “God Bless the USA” was released in 1984, it quickly became one of America’s most patriotic songs.
Lee Greenwood wrote it as a tribute to the military, especially Marines and other service members protecting the nation.
The song expresses deep gratitude for those who fight to preserve freedom, making it a staple at military events.
Its powerful lyrics and emotional delivery have resonated across generations, especially in times of national crisis.
Marines and other troops often hear this song during ceremonies, reinforcing their crucial role in defending liberty.
8. “Fightin’ Side Of Me” by Merle Haggard (1970) – Wonderful Country Song
About this song:
- Album: The Fightin’ Side of Me
- Released: 1970
- Artist: Merle Haggard
- Genre: Country
- Key Lyric: “They’re walking on the fighting side of me. Running down a way of life.”
“Fightin’ Side Of Me” is Merle Haggard’s unapologetic response to criticism of the American military, including the Marines.
Written at the height of the Vietnam War, it calls out those who speak negatively about the nation’s armed forces.
The song carries a strong message of patriotism, reminding listeners of the sacrifices made to protect the country.
Haggard’s lyrics reflect the resilience and toughness often associated with Marines and other military branches.
Even decades later, the song remains a defiant anthem for those who take pride in the armed forces.
9. “Hero of War” by Rise Against (2008) – Ideal Acoustic Rock Song About Marines
About this song:
- Album: Appeal to Reason
- Released: 2008
- Artist: Rise Against
- Genre: Acoustic rock
- Key Lyric: “A hero of war. Yeah, that’s what I’ll be.”
Rise Against’s “Hero of War” is a haunting song that delves into the complexities of military service.
Unlike traditional patriotic songs, it explores the psychological and emotional struggles that soldiers, including Marines, often endure.
The lyrics follow the journey of a young recruit, from his initial pride in enlisting to the harsh realities of war.
Through its stripped-down acoustic sound, the song forces listeners to reflect on the personal costs of battle.
By tackling both honor and hardship, it offers a thought-provoking perspective on the life of a Marine.
10. “Only the Good Die Young” by Billy Joel (1977) – Amazing Rock Song
About this song:
- Album: The Stranger
- Released: 1977
- Artist: Billy Joel
- Genre: Rock
- Key Lyric: “Well, only the good die young. That’s what I said.”
Although “Only the Good Die Young” was not originally written as a military song, it has taken on new meaning over time.
For many, the title and lyrics symbolize the tragic loss of young Marines who never return from duty.
Billy Joel’s energetic rock sound contrasts with the deeper implications the song has come to represent.
The phrase “only the good die young” resonates strongly with those who have lost loved ones in service.
Today, the song is sometimes played in remembrance of fallen soldiers, giving it a bittersweet connection to the Marine Corps.
Conclusion
The power of Songs About Marines lies in their ability to honor, inspire, and connect people to the bravery of the Marine Corps.
These songs serve as lasting tributes to the sacrifices and dedication of those who have served.
Whether through patriotic anthems or heartfelt ballads, they keep the Marine spirit alive for generations.
If you have a favorite among these Songs About Marines, share it and celebrate the legacy of the Corps.