The Man Behind the Gun

Now let the eagle flap his wings

And let the cannon roar,

For while the conquering bullet sings

We pledge the commodore.

First battle of a righteous war

Right royally he won,

But here's a health to the jolly tar--

To the man behind the gun!

Now praise be to the flag-ship's spars--

To the captain in command,

And honour to the Stripes and Stars

For whose defence they stand;

And for the pilot at his wheel

Let the streams of red wine run,

But here's a health to the man of steel--

The man behind the gun!

Here's to the man who does not swerve

In the face of any foe;

Here's to the man of iron nerve,

On deck and down below;

Here's to the man whose heart is glad

When the battle has begun;

Here's to the health of that daring lad--

To the man behind the gun!

Now let the Stars and Stripes float high

And let the eagle soar;

Until the echoes make reply

We pledge the commodore.

Here's to the chief and here's to war,

And here's to the fleet that won,

And here's a health to the jolly tar--

To the man behind the gun!