WE WERE WAITING THAT MORNING FOR COLORS

We were waiting that morning for colors, And the bands were ready to play, And a motor launch crossing the harbor Was making its peaceful way, But to war and the roar of its thunder Old Glory went up that day. The firmament split, and our gunners, The bravest and handsomest crew, Mid fiery bomb and shrapnel, Oh, how to their stations they flew! They fought like a legion of angels Against the corruption of Hell, In the blaze of a sacred vengeance For shipmate lads who fell. They fought off the vicious invader, They cut him out of the air, And he dropped through the smoke of the combat To death and destruction there. And our flag through the hours of battle Flew on till the fighting was won. Oh, beautiful, dedicate banner, Our victory has only begun. With such gunners as ours to defend you, So bright and beloved in the sky, While devotion and manhood attend you, Brave standard, continue on high. We were waiting that morning for colors. Old Glory forever shall fly!