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Down By The River | Military Cadence
(Lyrics & History)

Call-and-response cadences, known as "Jodies," play a vital role in the U.S. Military, providing a steady rhythm to keep troops in sync, boost morale, and reinforce unity during marches and runs. These cadences hold a rich and significant place in military tradition.

Lyrics

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Down by the river

We took a little walk

Ran into the enemy 

Had a little talk

 

We didn’t like their attitude

Didn’t like the way they walk

So we pushed ‘em (Hey!), we kicked ‘em (Hey!)

We threw ‘em in the river

(We pushed ‘em, we kicked ‘em, we threw ‘em in the river)

Laughed as they drowned

We don’t need no enemies

Hangin’, hangin’, hangin’ around 

 

(Hey, don’t be a fool)

(Sombody said we were #2)

(They lied!)

(We’re #1!)

(Army!)

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Listen to this cadence:

Song Name: Down By The River
Album Name: Cadences Volume 2
by Jonathan Michael Fleming

DISCLAIMERS:

The lyrics and music to the above cadence are not original to me. To the best of my knowledge, the song is in the public domain, as the author is unknown and has simply been handed down generation-to-generation within the US military.

The views and opinions presented herein are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of DoD or its Components. Appearance of, or reference to, any commercial products or services does not constitute DoD endorsement of those products or services. The appearance of external hyperlinks does not constitute DoD endorsement of the linked websites, or the information, products or services therein.

Lyrics

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