What was your theme song while in the military?

PO2 Rocky Kleeger — Thu, 03 Apr 2014 08:56:17 -0400

For me, it was "The Game" by Motorhead.  At one point in my career, I worked for someone that made up a lot of stuff as he went, thinking that we lower ranking wouldn't know any better.  It became a game between all of us that we get the better of him using "the book" against him.  I became go good at it that people started calling me "The Game",  and then HHH from the WWE debuted that as his theme song.  When I finally sat down to listen to the words, it just seemed to fit.
 
Because it is, indeed, all about the game and how you play it.  As for me, I'm now retired from the service and working as a Navy contractor.  That means that I am still the game and I still play.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Apr 4 at 2014 7:47 PM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Fri, 04 Apr 2014 19:47:44 -0400

Navy is powered by Music. On the California CGN-36 if you asked the skipper it was "California Dreaming" if you asked the crew it was "Hotel California". My favorite Music story comes courtesy of 50th Aniversary of VJ Day, We were Lead Ship in the parade of ships in front of Waikiki with every victorius country in the Pacific Represented (To Include the Russians). I was USS Arkansas CGN-41 Presidents Flag Ship. After the pass in review the were putting the ships back into place in Pearl Harbor, Tied our bow first Where I was standing "Manning the Rail" and then swung our rear around on Hotel Pier,. All of a sudden I hear the Collision Alarm, Can't leave my post but "WTH". After we tied up I asked those from Aft what happened, "Look Port next to us" USS Sacramento our floating gas station that had a huge "Key Job" down the Starboard Side, Apparently the crew put up the Aft Flag Mast/Staff and the tugs drug it across the Starboard Side of the Sacramento, 3 days later we do a Refuel with Sacramento and as Navy Tradition Dictates a song is played on the Speakers, What does Sacramento Play "You got to keep them Seperated".

Response by PO2 Michael Campbell made Apr 22 at 2014 11:24 PM

PO2 Michael Campbell — Tue, 22 Apr 2014 23:24:25 -0400

Funny enough you brought this up. I was watching one of our homecoming videos when we were pulling back into San Diego after deployment...One of the songs they always played was "The Boys Are Back In Town" by Thin Lizzy

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 27 at 2014 7:58 AM

Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 27 Oct 2014 07:58:01 -0400

Whenever we flew into country, my go-to was "Aces High" by Iron Maiden.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNg4OjWkLns

Response by SGT Tyler C. made Oct 28 at 2014 9:55 PM

SGT Tyler C. — Tue, 28 Oct 2014 21:55:27 -0400

This Means War - By Avenged Sevenfold. Before that I would have to say Chaos Reigns by Trivium. Cant get enough of those 2.

Response by PO3 Shaun Taylor made Oct 28 at 2014 10:26 PM

PO3 Shaun Taylor — Tue, 28 Oct 2014 22:26:06 -0400

in the navy.....village people

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 28 at 2014 10:31 PM

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Oct 2014 22:31:34 -0400

Rock the Casbah - The Clash

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 28 at 2014 10:34 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Oct 2014 22:34:09 -0400

http://youtu.be/1WqazleR3FE PO2 Rocky Kleeger

this is mine!!!!

Sanford and Son Intro

The greatest american sitcom ever

Response by SSG Tim Everett made Oct 29 at 2014 9:16 AM

SSG Tim Everett — Wed, 29 Oct 2014 09:16:25 -0400

I always liked to pretend the theme song to Shaft was playing in the background whenever I walked. In reality, though, it was probably the Benny Hill song.

Response by SrA Marc Haynes made Oct 30 at 2014 12:08 AM

SrA Marc Haynes — Thu, 30 Oct 2014 00:08:42 -0400

"Warrior" by Thin Lizzy

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 30 at 2014 12:20 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 30 Oct 2014 00:20:43 -0400

Lynyrd Skynyrd - Free bird.

To me this song describes a huge part of the military lifestyle. With all the moving I've done as active duty, all the people I've met, all the places I've yet to see and the people have yet to meet.

I even got a tattoo across my back because of this song. It's an eagle with a heart in one claw and a skull in the other.

The heart simply symbolizes the people I captivate and that have done the same to me ('cause lets face it, when we leave we feel a part of our selves gets left behind and the folks we leave, feel a part of themselves leaving as well).

The skull symbolizes the heads of the enemy and the heads of those who've tried to harm those I've decided to protect.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D0W1v0kOELA

"If I leave here tomorrow
Would you still remember me?
For I must be traveling on now
'Cause there's too many places I've got to see.

But if I stayed here with you, girl,
Things just couldn't be the same.
'Cause I'm as free as a bird now,
And this bird you can not change, oh, oh, oh, oh.
And this bird you can not change.
And this bird you can not change.
Lord knows I can't change.

Bye, bye, baby, it's been a sweet love, yeah,
Though this feeling I can't change.
But please don't take it so badly,
'Cause Lord knows I'm to blame.

But if I stayed here with you, girl,
Things just couldn't be the same.
'Cause I'm as free as a bird now,
And this bird you'll never change, oh, oh, oh, oh.
And this bird you cannot change.
And this bird you cannot change.
Lord knows, I can't change.
Lord, help me, I can't change.

Lord, I can't change.
Won't you fly high, free bird, yeah?"

Lynyrd Skynyrd - Free Bird

Subscribe to The Best Of for more classic music history, videos and playlists: http://bit.ly/WdJ36u Southern rock legends Lynyrd Skynyrd recorded "Free Bird"...

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 30 at 2014 2:59 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 30 Oct 2014 02:59:16 -0400

Guns 'N' Roses, "Civil War" was perfect for Iraq.

Honorable mention to "The Sloop John B" by the Beach Boys. "...this is the worst trip, I've ever been on..."

Response by LCpl Stephen Arnold made May 11 at 2017 1:32 PM

LCpl Stephen Arnold — Thu, 11 May 2017 13:32:03 -0400

DIRTY WHITE BOY by Foreigner.

Response by SGT Bill Jacobson made Aug 2 at 2017 4:37 PM

SGT Bill Jacobson — Wed, 02 Aug 2017 16:37:13 -0400

"We Gotta Get Outta This Place;" The Animals. ('theme song' for all Vietnam vets)

Response by PO1 Bob Davis made Sep 7 at 2017 2:43 PM

PO1 Bob Davis — Thu, 07 Sep 2017 14:43:22 -0400

Another Thing Coming - Judas Priest

Response by A1C Carol Taylor made Sep 11 at 2017 10:58 AM

A1C Carol Taylor — Mon, 11 Sep 2017 10:58:46 -0400

Not that I remember a song.

Response by Sgt Wayne Wood made Sep 11 at 2017 2:48 PM

Sgt Wayne Wood — Mon, 11 Sep 2017 14:48:46 -0400

Free Bird

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 26 at 2020 10:36 AM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 26 Nov 2020 10:36:48 -0500

Helter Skelter

Response by Cpl James R. " Jim" Gossett Jr made Nov 26 at 2020 12:39 PM

Cpl James R. " Jim" Gossett Jr — Thu, 26 Nov 2020 12:39:59 -0500

WE GOTTA GET OUT OF THIS PLACE!

Response by Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen made Nov 26 at 2020 12:51 PM

Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen — Thu, 26 Nov 2020 12:51:00 -0500

Well during Vietnam it had to be this. https://youtu.be/Q3mgapAcVdU

The Animals - We Gotta Get Out Of This Place (1965) HD/widescreen

Special widescreen version of The Animals performing 'We Gotta Get Out Of This Place' from an American motion picture Eric Burdon - vocals Hilton Valen...

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 26 at 2020 1:10 PM

SrA Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 26 Nov 2020 13:10:54 -0500

Did a ton of pushups in basic when this came out. Will you capture every thing you ever wanted or let it slip?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Yhyp-_hX2s

Eminem - Lose Yourself [HD]

feat. Eminem from the movie 8 MILE No copyright infringement intended. All contents belong to its rightful owners. This is for entertainment purposes only.

Response by MSG Stan Hutchison made Nov 26 at 2020 6:26 PM

MSG Stan Hutchison — Thu, 26 Nov 2020 18:26:18 -0500

2 for me:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7qkQewyubs

or
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m57gzA2JCcM

CCR-Fortunate Son.

The Vietnam War

Response by MSgt Don VandeBogert made Nov 26 at 2020 6:32 PM

MSgt Don VandeBogert — Thu, 26 Nov 2020 18:32:47 -0500

All too often it would pop into my head while watching some of the things we did in the military.

What music you ask? The music from a 3-ring circus, because sometimes that's where I thought I was at.

Response by SFC Ralph E Kelley made Nov 26 at 2020 7:34 PM

SFC Ralph E Kelley — Thu, 26 Nov 2020 19:34:48 -0500

Don't Fear the Reaper
https://youtu.be/8GAylAoRR2A

Blue Oyster Cult - Don't Fear the Reaper

From the album 'Agents of Fortune' and written by Donald Roeser All our times have come Here, but now they're gone Seasons don't fear the reaper Nor do the w...

Response by Cpl Vic Burk made Nov 26 at 2020 8:22 PM

Cpl Vic Burk — Thu, 26 Nov 2020 20:22:40 -0500

When I read the title of this thread I thought this was songs you made up and not hit songs! We had one that went something like:
"Ship me over Sergeant Major, I'm a lifer in the Corps.". My old mind doesn't even remember the rest of the words to it but it was funny. There were times after I got out that I wished I had seen the SgtMaj and shipped over but, I had other plans. Namely, get my degree in electronics engineering which I wasn't going to get in the military.

Response by CW4 Guy Butler made Nov 26 at 2020 9:23 PM

CW4 Guy Butler — Thu, 26 Nov 2020 21:23:13 -0500

“Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor in Basic/AIT.

Response by SrA Chris Livingston made Nov 27 at 2020 9:51 PM

SrA Chris Livingston — Fri, 27 Nov 2020 21:51:36 -0500

While at the LIK, on the dayroom VCR would either be: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TvnYmWpD_T8

Prince - Purple Rain (Official Video)

Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro 1:10 - Verse 1 1:49 - Pre Chorus 1:56 - Chorus 2:30 - Verse 2 2:59 - Pre Chorus 3:05 - Chorus 3:39 - Verse 3 4:05 Pre Chorus 4:13 Ch...

Response by SrA Chris Livingston made Nov 27 at 2020 9:55 PM

SrA Chris Livingston — Fri, 27 Nov 2020 21:55:08 -0500

ALSO A FAVORITE AT THE LIK:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kK2hpeqkYjA

Footloose - Kenny Loggins (1984) HD

Format: Vinyl, 7", 45 RPM, Single, Video Country: US Released: 1984 Genre: Rock, Pop, Stage & Screen Style: Pop Rock Notes From The Original Soundtrack Of Th...

Response by SrA Chris Livingston made Nov 27 at 2020 9:58 PM

SrA Chris Livingston — Fri, 27 Nov 2020 21:58:59 -0500

During my two week fun trip to VOLANT SCORPION back in 87, our hooch loved:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZt7J0iaUD0

Suzanne Vega - Luka (Official Video)

Response by PO3 Gene White made Dec 25 at 2020 10:48 PM

PO3 Gene White — Fri, 25 Dec 2020 22:48:12 -0500

"Gimme A Ticket for an Aero-plane"...ain't got time for a fast train. and "I'm Leavin On A Jet Plane.

Response by LCpl Charles Stacker made Jan 19 at 2021 5:09 PM

LCpl Charles Stacker — Tue, 19 Jan 2021 17:09:23 -0500

Lima Co wpns plt 3/1 it was Locomotive Breath . C co 1st recon batt it was Chesty Puller was a merry old man

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2021 9:27 AM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 16 Feb 2021 09:27:43 -0500

USS Long Beach (CGN-9) was Star Wars

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Feb 16 at 2021 11:32 AM

CSM Charles Hayden — Tue, 16 Feb 2021 11:32:25 -0500

PO2 Rocky Kleeger STARS AND STRIPES FOREVER! After hearing it for 2 hours three times a day for 16 weeks in BCT, it it now my cell phone’s ring tone!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2021 12:52 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 16 Feb 2021 12:52:20 -0500

Hopefully it will be Free Bird soon. This medical crap is going on 3 years.

Response by SFC James Cameron made Feb 16 at 2021 7:17 PM

SFC James Cameron — Tue, 16 Feb 2021 19:17:39 -0500

Can I Play With Madness and Run to the Hills by Iron Maiden, The Four Horsemen and Seek and Destroy by Metallica, and Sleipnir by Manowar are the tunes that come immediately to mind and from unit to unit.

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made Nov 30 at 2021 6:35 PM

SFC William Swartz Jr — Tue, 30 Nov 2021 18:35:04 -0500

Flirtin With Disaster & Seek and Destroy were my go-to's as a tanker throughout my career but more apt during OIF when we crossed the berm in 2003.

Response by SPC Kenneth Grant made Jan 23 at 2022 9:08 PM

SPC Kenneth Grant — Sun, 23 Jan 2022 21:08:51 -0500

We’ve Gotta Get Out Of This Place by The Animals 1968-69 Vietnam

Response by SPC Terry Page made Jan 24 at 2022 12:01 AM

SPC Terry Page — Mon, 24 Jan 2022 00:01:56 -0500

I had two initially:
an instrumental by Henri Mancini "Mr. Lucky" 1960 (Theme for the television show)
a talking-blues-story vocal by Bobby Bare "The All American Boy" 1960 (charted Billboard #2)
The Lyrics:
Gather 'round, cats, and I'll tell you a story
About how to become an All American Boy
Buy you a gittar and put it in tune
You'll be rockin' and rollin' soon.
Impressin' the girls, pickin' hot licks, and all that jazz
I-I bought me a gittar a year ago
Learned how to play in a day or so
And all around town it was well understood
That I was knockin' 'em out like Johnny B. Goode
Hot licks, showin' off, ah number one.
Well , I 'd practice all day and up into the night
My papa's hair was turnin' white
Cause he didn't like rock'n'roll
He said "You can stay, boy, but that's gotta go."
He's a square, he just didn't dig me at all
So I took my gittar, picks and all
And bid farewell to my poor ole pa
And I split for Memphis where they say all
Them swingin' cats are havin' a ball
Sessions, hot licks and all, they dig me
I was rockin' and boppin' and I's a gettin' the breaks
The girls all said that I had what it takes
When up stepped a man with a big cigar
He said "come here, cat--I'm gonnna make you a star."
"I'll put you on Bandstand, buy ya a Cadillac, sign here, kid."
I signed my name and became a star
Havin' a ball with my gittar
Driving a big long Cadillac and fightin' the girls off ma back
They just kept a'comin', screamin', yeah-they like it
So I'd pick my gittar with a great big grin
And the money just kept on pourin' in
But then one day my Uncle Sam
He said (sound of 3 footsteps) "Here I am"
"Uncle Sam needs you, boy
I'm-a gonna cut your hair off
ah-Take this rifle, kid
Gimme that gittar" yeah.

Response by SGT Daniel Petitt made Mar 2 at 2022 8:24 AM

SGT Daniel Petitt — Wed, 02 Mar 2022 08:24:08 -0500

We’ve got to get out of this place

Response by PO2 John Drillock made May 11 at 2022 6:36 PM

PO2 John Drillock — Wed, 11 May 2022 18:36:47 -0400

“It’s Cryin’ Time Again Don’t Ever Leave Me”

Response by SPC Gil Valiente made May 11 at 2022 7:30 PM

SPC Gil Valiente — Wed, 11 May 2022 19:30:51 -0400

Shout - Tears for Fears

Response by SGT Lynia Ghormley made May 11 at 2022 7:42 PM

SGT Lynia Ghormley — Wed, 11 May 2022 19:42:46 -0400

I was in the USAEUR Soldiers' Chorus attached to The CINC's Own Army Band in Heidelberg, Germany, so my theme song was whatever music (with choreography) we were learning at the time. I would have to say, however, that our Broadway review show at the Heidelberg Stadthalle was my favorite set. Christmas shows were always good, too, as they brought a feeling of holidays at home to our troops and families in Europe.