The Battle of Santiago
Words & music by Chas. F. Alsop
Published 1898

Off Santiago harbor,
Our fleet in grandeur lay,
The blockade safely keeping
The Spanish foe at bay,
Below the watch was happy,
With song and laughter gay;
And some a line or two did pen
To loved ones far away.
But, suddenly, the scene was changed
By long desired attraction,
As, loud and shrill, the bo'sun piped:
"Clear!--clear the decks for action!"
Then, as they took their places,
With swiftly-flying feet,
This cry for vengeance quick and sure
Was heard throughout the fleet:

[chorus]
"Let's stand by our guns!
Remember the Maine!
We're out to lick the Spanish, boys,
And drive them back to Spain!
For justice we fight; and,
While we're Yankees true,
The Spanish shall not hold the Isle of Cuba!"

In answer to this slogan,
We flew to meet the foe
Right under Morro's frowning guns,
We let our broadsides go.
Schley led our fleet to glory;
While Shafter's gallant band
Of twenty thousand boys in blue
Assailed the foe on Land!
Loud shrieked the shells--the cannon roared,
Our enemy to to slaughter!
Proud Spain a lesson learned from us;
For Freedom's worth we taught her!
Her forts and fleet we silenced;
Then, with this stirring cry,
O'er Santiago--grandly won!
We let Old Glory fly:

[repeat chorus]