The Marching Band Played John Philip Sousa

The marching band played John Philip Sousa My daddy held my hand Lining the streets elbows to my head My daddy put me on his shoulders, where I could stand ~ The marching marines stopped in front of us And in synchrony stomped boots our way The men sang in perfect harmony Daddy crossed his heart that day ~ And over head, as the men sang Bursting here and there Colors of red, white and blue In patterns, I’d not seen anywhere ~ Some sounded like rockets Szshoozing overhead Some were loud like cannonballs I covered my ears in dread ~ In amazement, I beheld the lights Were there angels over me? Exploding in perfect orderly colors “Daddy, how do they do that? How can this be?” ~ The choir of men sang a special song And Daddy started to cry I didn’t understand why A father with tears in his eyes ~ “From the Halls of Montezuma To the shores of Tripoli We fight our country’s battles In the air, on land, and sea; First to fight for right and freedom And to keep our honor clean; We are proud to claim the title Of United States Marine.” ~ Then, above the grandest sights A little girl had seen Splitting colors like stars and stripes The happiest, I’d ever been ~ Lights splashing with the music Bursting colors with the beat The patters in my little heart Thrilling for me, a child of three, to have the very best seat In the parade