"A Life on the Ocean Wave" is a poem-turned-song by
Epes Sargent published in 1838 and set to music by
Henry Russell. It is the iconic Regimental March of His Majesty's
Royal Marines
The Corps of Royal Marines (RM), also known as the Royal Marines Commandos, are the UK's special operations capable commando force, amphibious light infantry and also one of the five fighting arms of the Royal Navy. The Corps of Royal Marine ...
.
Origin of the poem and song
One day Sargent was walking on
The Battery in
New York City watching the ships enter the harbour. This scene inspired Sargent to write a poem, which Russell later put to music. The song soon became popular in both the
United Kingdom and the
United States.
Lyrics
History of cultural uses of the song
At an 1851 celebration in Salem, Massachusetts, the Boston Cadet Band gave the new clipper ship ''
Witch of the Wave'' a lively sendoff by striking up "A Life on the Ocean Wave" as the
SS ''R. B. Forbes'' towed the new clipper out to set sail for Boston.
The tune, slightly altered, provides the music for the
Latter-day Saint hymn "Who's On The Lord's Side?"
"Who's On The Lord's Side?" (Hymn 260)
''Hymns of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints'', 1985.
References
External links
Thurl Ravenscroft-- ''Life On The Ocean Waves''
Video with music and pictures
Sound clip and links to sheet music, as featured in the Laura Ingalls Wilder book By the Shores of Silver Lake
''By the Shores of Silver Lake'' is an autobiographical children's novel written by Laura Ingalls Wilder and published in 1939, the fifth of nine books in her Little House series. It spans just over one year, beginning when she is 12 years ol ...
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British military marches
Royal Marines
Royal Marines Band Service
1838 songs
Songs with music by Henry Russell (musician)
Songs based on poems