Over There

Over There, by George M. Cohan, was first recorded in 1917 and became vastly popular in America. Cohan, a famous Broadway producer and writer, wrote the song shortly after the U.S. declared war on Germany and officially entered the war. Because of its popularity, Over There served as a morale booster and recruitment tool for the U.S. Army, and even became the unofficial anthem of American soldiers. Lyrics to the song express moods of patriotism, pride, and an eagerness to serve, and reflect a general positive outlook on America’s entry into the war. Over two million copies of the song’s sheet music were sold by the end of the war.

Lyrics

Verse 1

Johnny, get your gun, get your gun, get your gun.
Take it on the run, on the run, on the run.
Hear them calling you and me,
Every son of liberty.

Hurry right away, no delay, go today.
Make your daddy glad to have had such a lad.
Tell your sweetheart not to pine,
To be proud her boy's in line.

Chorus (repeated)

Over there, over there,
Send the word, send the word over there -
That the Yanks are coming, the Yanks are coming,
The drums rum-tumming everywhere.

So prepare, say a pray'r,
Send the word, send the word to beware.
We'll be over, we're coming over,
And we won't come back till it's over, over there.

Verse 2

Johnny, get your gun, get your gun, get your gun.
Johnny, show the Hun you're a son-of-a-gun.
Hoist the flag and let her fly,
Yankee doodle do or die.

Pack your little kit, show your grit, do your bit.
Yankee to the ranks from the towns and the tanks.
Make your mother proud of you,
And the old Red, White and Blue.

Chorus (repeated)