Hail To The Chief - The Lyrics

The Lyrics

Lyrics that were written by Albert Gamse are set to James Sanderson's music, but they are rarely sung.

Hail to the Chief we have chosen for the nation,

Hail to the Chief! We salute him, one and all.

Hail to the Chief, as we pledge cooperation

In proud fulfillment of a great, noble call.

Yours is the aim to make this grand country grander,

This you will do, that's our strong, firm belief.

Hail to the one we selected as commander,

Hail to the President! Hail to the Chief!

The original lyrics, written by Sir Walter Scott, read:

Hail to the chief, who in triumph advances,

Honour'd and blest be the evergreen pine!

Long may the tree in his banner that glances,

Flourish the shelter and grace of our line.

Heaven send it happy dew,

Earth lend it sap anew,

Gaily to bourgeon and broadly to grow;

While every highland glen,

Sends our shout back agen,

"Roderigh Vich Alpine Dhu, ho! i-e-roe!"

Ours is no sapling, chance-sown by the fountain,

Blooming at Beltane, in winter to fade;

When the whirlwind has stript every leaf on the mountain,

The more shall Clan Alpine exult in her shade.

Moor'd in the lifted rock,

Proof to the tempest's shock,

Firmer he roots him, the ruder it blow:

Menteith and Breadalbane, then,

Echo his praise agen,

"Roderigh Vich Alpine Dhu, ho! i-e-roe!"

Proudly our pibroch has thrill'd in Glen Fruin,

And Blanochar's groans to our slogan replied,

Glen Luss and Ross Dhu, they are smoking in ruin,

And the best of Loch Lomond lie dead on our side.

Widow and Saxon maid,

long shall lament our rade,

Think of Clan Alpine with fear and with wo.

Lenox and Levon Glen,

Shake when they hear agen

"Roderigh Vich Alpine Dhu, ho! i-e-roe!"

Row, vassals, row for the pride of the Highlands!

Stretch to your oars for the evergreen pine!

O, that the rosebud that graces yon islands,

Were wreath'd in a garland around him to twine.

O, that some seedling gem,

Worthy such noble stem,

Honour'd and blest in their shadow might grow;

Loud should Clan Alpine then,

Ring from her deepmost glen,

"Roderigh Vich Alpine Dhu, ho! i-e-roe!"