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How We Got Here The Full Story Cadences originated with PVT Willie Lee Duckworth during WWII. His story has turned to legend and is still alive in the US military today. ​ Duckworth, a black Soldier and a descendent of freed American slaves, took the call-and-response style of "work songs" and wrote his famous tune, "Sound Off." ​ This new-found method of morale-building would quickly spread across the Army, and make its mark in its history. Hundreds of cadences have since been written and taken root in US military culture. Segregated Troops marching while they sing in formation. Photo courtesy U.S. Army Documenting History I did BCT (Basic Combat Training) in 2021, where I was first introduced to the idea of cadences. A musician myself, the idea of a military unit using music to motivate troops, or simply get them through a run was fascinating to me. However, I only called cadence once in BCT - and that was after our graduation. Fast forward to MOS school, AIT (Advanced Individual Training). We marched many miles across several weeks, and I wore my voice out calling cadence. There was nothing like it. However, we quickly began to turn into the local radio station nobody wants to hear, due to their incredible ability to play the same songs on loop 24/7. We were running out of material. ​ I turned to YouTube, like every good Gen-Z soldier, and was amazed at how little I found. Remember, this was before military cadences went viral, accruing hundreds of millions of views across the military and civilian community. At this time, there was very little to be found by way of recordings, and sometimes you couldn't even find lyrics to the jodies we'd marched to for decades. You truly had to have been there to understand the tradition. I made the decision that day, that when I returned home, I would record these cadences and share them with my family. Veteran's Day came around, and upon hearing a chilling speech by one of my NCOs, I spent some time reflecting on the time-honored traditions I was adhering to. I also began thinking about how many souls had worn the uniform before me, and how many will make the sacrifices necessary for me to continue living the life of opportunity I've been afforded in this great nation. Inspired by an old cadence my buddy found called "Down in the Battlefield," I pulled out my notepad, and in 5 short minutes I wrote the cadence, "Fallen Soldiers." This cadence took the world by storm, and quickly brought me comments, messages, emails, and letters from service members and veterans asking me to record other cadences. This is when it all came together for me: I can be a resource for service members, military schools, and veterans. All of those things are amazing, and I'm honored to be a part of our history - but that was only the beginning. ​ Since the release of Fallen Soldiers, I've recorded, by request of present and former military personnel, 50 military cadences/jodies. My hope and prayer is that these songs surface memories for service members, remind them of their "day zero" motivation, and bring back their fire. ​ Through a fast-expanding social media presence, we have been able to use these songs to bring awareness and raise money for veteran-focused nonprofits, and I believe that God has a bright future in store for the direction of this mission. My continued prayer is that you, whoever is reading this, is inspired by something you see. If that is all I accomplish, then I will be proud to have been a part of your story in that way. Support my work: Signed Copies Quick View Cadences Vol. 1, 2, 3, & 4 Bundle (CDs) - AUTOGRAPHED Regular Price $64.99 Sale Price $59.99 New Cadence Merch Quick View "Sound Off" - Soft Blend Cotton T-Shirt Regular Price $34.99 Sale Price $29.99 Quick View Cadences Volume 4 (CD) Regular Price $29.99 Sale Price $24.99 New Cadence Merch Quick View “I Left My Home" - Soft Blend Cotton T-Shirt - JMF Regular Price $34.99 Sale Price $29.99 Quick View "Fallen Soldiers" Blended T-Shirt - JMF Regular Price $34.99 Sale Price $29.99 New Patriotic Merch Quick View "1776 Problems" - Soft Blend Cotton T-Shirt - JMF Regular Price $34.99 Sale Price $29.99 New Samson-Inspired Merch Quick View "Strength Like This" - Soft Blend Cotton T-Shirt - JMF Regular Price $29.99 Sale Price $27.49 Quick View "Keep Marching" - Blended T-Shirt - JMF Regular Price $29.99 Sale Price $27.49 New Fallen Soldiers Merch Quick View Fallen Soldiers - JMF Hooded Sweatshirt Regular Price $59.99 Sale Price $54.99 New Gun/Bear Merch Quick View Right to "Bear" Arms - Blended T-Shirt - JMF Regular Price $34.99 Sale Price $29.99 New Gun/Bear Merch Quick View Right to "Bear" Arms - JMF Hooded Sweatshirt Regular Price $59.99 Sale Price $54.99 Quick View Cadences Volume 1 (CD) Regular Price $29.99 Sale Price $24.99 Quick View Cadences Volume 2 (CD) Regular Price $29.99 Sale Price $24.99 Quick View Cadences Volume 3 (CD) Regular Price $29.99 Sale Price $24.99

Hi Ho Lock and Load | Military Cadence (Lyrics & History) (Skip to lyrics) Marching in cadence with call-and-response "Jody calls" is a long-standing tradition in the US Military. The custom began in WW2 when PVT Willie Duckworth brought the African "work song" style to his brothers in the Army. Cadences or "jodies" are still used across all branches of the US military to keep troops marching in perfect unison, or "in step." It's no secret that the soulful voice of an NCO calling a Jodie is all that keeps you going on brutal rucks or runs. Within the military, each branch, and even each MOS (military occupational specialty) have their own specialized cadences, and arguably, the best of them stem from the good old infantry. These grunts are a bunch of singing psychopaths. ​ "Hi Ho Lock and Load" is one of the more tame cadences you'll hear out of these guys... Lyrics Lyrics Hi, Ho, Lock and Load The engines are running, we’re ready to roll Kill the enemy, take control So early, so early, so early in the morning ​ Abrams on the hill Take commander’s ready to kill Give the order, “Fire at will” So early, so early, so early in the morning Related Products New Cadence Merch Quick View "Sound Off" - Soft Blend Cotton T-Shirt Regular Price $34.99 Sale Price $29.99 New Cadence Merch Quick View “I Left My Home" - Soft Blend Cotton T-Shirt - JMF Regular Price $34.99 Sale Price $29.99 Signed Copies Quick View Cadences Vol. 1, 2, 3, & 4 Bundle (CDs) - AUTOGRAPHED Regular Price $64.99 Sale Price $59.99 Sniper on the ground Moving by without a sound Locks and loads a single round So early, so early, so early in the morning Apache’s in the sky F-16s go zooming by The enemy is about to die So early, so early, so early in the morning Listen to this cadence: Song Name: Hi Ho Lock and Load Album Name: Cadences Volume 1 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. Find lyrics to your favorite cadences: Scroll through dozens of jodies and search your favorites for lyrics, CDs, Spotify, Youtube, Apple links, and more! Cadence Library

Steam Roller (Navy Version) | Military Cadence (Lyrics & History) (Skip to lyrics) Introducing cadence into your workout routine can add a new level of motivation and discipline. Cadence, also known as "Jody calls," is a long-standing tradition in the US Military that keeps troops marching and running in perfect sync (AKA in-step). Each marching cadence is set at a perfect 120 BPM, and each running cadence at 180 BPM. This allows troops to keep pace, and the soulful voice of a soldier on these long rucks or runs just gives you a burst of energy you didn't know was possible. The Steam Roller cadence is a staple in the Navy community. The cadence has gone viral several times, both on my account and others where NCOs called their heart out and even picked up remixes from civilian artists. Here it is: "Steam Roller (Navy Version) Lyrics I’m a steam roller baby Just a’ rolling down the line I’m a steam roller baby Just a’rolling down the line ​ So you better get out of my way now Before I roll all over you It takes a little, a little, a little rock and roll It’s the kind that, the kind that, the kind that soothes your soul Cause I’m a U.S. Navy Sailor Just’a marching down the line I’m a U.S. Navy Sailor Just’a marching down the line Related Products Signed Copies Quick View Cadences Vol. 1, 2, 3, & 4 Bundle (CDs) - AUTOGRAPHED Regular Price $64.99 Sale Price $59.99 Quick View "Fallen Soldiers" Blended T-Shirt - JMF Regular Price $34.99 Sale Price $29.99 New Patriotic Merch Quick View "1776 Problems" - Soft Blend Cotton T-Shirt - JMF Regular Price $34.99 Sale Price $29.99 New Fallen Soldiers Merch Quick View Fallen Soldiers - JMF Hooded Sweatshirt Regular Price $59.99 Sale Price $54.99 New Gun/Bear Merch Quick View Right to "Bear" Arms - Blended T-Shirt - JMF Regular Price $34.99 Sale Price $29.99 New Cadence Merch Quick View “I Left My Home" - Soft Blend Cotton T-Shirt - JMF Regular Price $34.99 Sale Price $29.99 Quick View Cadences Volume 1 (CD) Regular Price $29.99 Sale Price $24.99 Quick View "Keep Marching" - Blended T-Shirt - JMF Regular Price $29.99 Sale Price $27.49 New Gun/Bear Merch Quick View Right to "Bear" Arms - JMF Hooded Sweatshirt Regular Price $59.99 Sale Price $54.99 New Samson-Inspired Merch Quick View "Strength Like This" - Soft Blend Cotton T-Shirt - JMF Regular Price $29.99 Sale Price $27.49 Quick View Cadences Volume 2 (CD) Regular Price $29.99 Sale Price $24.99 Quick View Cadences Volume 4 (CD) Regular Price $29.99 Sale Price $24.99 Quick View Cadences Volume 3 (CD) Regular Price $29.99 Sale Price $24.99 New Cadence Merch Quick View "Sound Off" - Soft Blend Cotton T-Shirt Regular Price $34.99 Sale Price $29.99 So you better get out of my way now Before I march all over you Before I roll all over you It takes a little, a little, a little rock and roll It’s the kind that, the kind that, the kind that soothes your soul ​ ‘Cause I’m a U.S. Navy Sailor I’m a steam roller baby And I’m rolling down the line Listen to this cadence: Song Name: Steam Roller (Navy Version) Album Name: Cadences Volume 1 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 Find lyrics to your favorite cadences: Scroll through dozens of jodies and search your favorites for lyrics, CDs, Spotify, Youtube, Apple links, and more! Cadence Library Find lyrics to your favorite cadences: Scroll through dozens of jodies and search your favorites for lyrics, CDs, Spotify, Youtube, Apple links, and more! Cadence Library

Yellow Bird | Military Cadence (Lyrics & History) (Skip to lyrics) The US military has a long-standing tradition of singing while marching, dating back to World War II. The Army introduced the custom of calling cadence or singing "jodies" in 1944, and it has since become a fundamental part of training, PT, and drill across all branches. The style of singing originated from African work songs, which were brought to the military by PVT Willie Lee Duckworth, a black soldier from Georgia who used the call-and-response style to motivate his fellow soldiers after long days of work. Over time, cadences have developed to incorporate a jarring and borderline objectionable theme. Some of these offensive and/or violent-natured jodies are an integral part of a service member's adapting to the nature of their new work. "Yellow Bird," in all its comical violence, has become a classic within military culture. There are two versions below - the recorded version (clean) and the classic version, which I chose not to record. I do not condone the lyrics... Just documenting them. Don't judge me too hard Lyrics (Clean Version) A yellow bird With a yellow bill Sat upon My window sill ​ I lured him in With a piece of bread And then I smashed His little head A tiny mouse With tiny feet Sat upon My toilet seat ​ I pushed him in And I flushed him down And that little mouse Went round and round I called the doc And the doctor said That little bird Is freaking dead Related Products Signed Copies Quick View Cadences Vol. 1, 2, 3, & 4 Bundle (CDs) - AUTOGRAPHED Regular Price $64.99 Sale Price $59.99 New Cadence Merch Quick View "Sound Off" - Soft Blend Cotton T-Shirt Regular Price $34.99 Sale Price $29.99 Quick View Cadences Volume 4 (CD) Regular Price $29.99 Sale Price $24.99 New Cadence Merch Quick View “I Left My Home" - Soft Blend Cotton T-Shirt - JMF Regular Price $34.99 Sale Price $29.99 Quick View "Fallen Soldiers" Blended T-Shirt - JMF Regular Price $34.99 Sale Price $29.99 New Patriotic Merch Quick View "1776 Problems" - Soft Blend Cotton T-Shirt - JMF Regular Price $34.99 Sale Price $29.99 New Samson-Inspired Merch Quick View "Strength Like This" - Soft Blend Cotton T-Shirt - JMF Regular Price $29.99 Sale Price $27.49 Quick View "Keep Marching" - Blended T-Shirt - JMF Regular Price $29.99 Sale Price $27.49 New Fallen Soldiers Merch Quick View Fallen Soldiers - JMF Hooded Sweatshirt Regular Price $59.99 Sale Price $54.99 New Gun/Bear Merch Quick View Right to "Bear" Arms - Blended T-Shirt - JMF Regular Price $34.99 Sale Price $29.99 New Gun/Bear Merch Quick View Right to "Bear" Arms - JMF Hooded Sweatshirt Regular Price $59.99 Sale Price $54.99 Quick View Cadences Volume 1 (CD) Regular Price $29.99 Sale Price $24.99 Quick View Cadences Volume 2 (CD) Regular Price $29.99 Sale Price $24.99 Quick View Cadences Volume 3 (CD) Regular Price $29.99 Sale Price $24.99 (Traditional Version) A yellow bird With a yellow bill Sat upon My window sill ​ I lured him in With a piece of bread And then I smashed His f***ing head A tiny mouse With tiny feet Sat upon My toilet seat ​ I pushed him in And I flushed him down And that little mouse Went round and round I called the doc And the doctor said That little bird Is freaking dead ​ The moral of The story is If you want some head You need some bread Listen to this cadence: Song Name: Letter In the Mail 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 Find lyrics to your favorite cadences: Scroll through dozens of jodies and search your favorites for lyrics, CDs, Spotify, Youtube, Apple links, and more! Cadence Library

Steam Roller (Army Version) | Military Cadence (Lyrics & History) (Skip to lyrics) Adding cadence to your workout routine can bring a different level of motivation and discipline. This "work song" style, also referred to as "Jody calls," has been a long-standing tradition in the US Military. These call-and-response style chants help troops march and run "in-step," or in sync, with each cadence set at a precise 120 BPM for marching and 180 BPM for running. The soulful voice of a troop leading these cadences during long rucks or runs is sometimes exactly the pick-me-up you need. The Steam Roller cadence is a staple in the Army community. The cadence has gone viral several times, both on my account and others where NCOs called their heart out and even picked up remixes from civilian artists. Here it is: "Steam Roller (Army Version) Lyrics I’m a steam roller baby And I’m rolling down the line I’m a steam roller baby And I’m rolling down the line ​ So you better get out of my way now Before I roll all over you ​ I’m a jackhammer baby And I’m hammering down the line I’m a jackhammer baby And I’m hammering down the line ​ So you better get out of my way now Before I hammer all over you Before I roll all over you Related Products Signed Copies Quick View Cadences Vol. 1, 2, 3, & 4 Bundle (CDs) - AUTOGRAPHED Regular Price $64.99 Sale Price $59.99 Quick View "Fallen Soldiers" Blended T-Shirt - JMF Regular Price $34.99 Sale Price $29.99 New Patriotic Merch Quick View "1776 Problems" - Soft Blend Cotton T-Shirt - JMF Regular Price $34.99 Sale Price $29.99 New Fallen Soldiers Merch Quick View Fallen Soldiers - JMF Hooded Sweatshirt Regular Price $59.99 Sale Price $54.99 New Gun/Bear Merch Quick View Right to "Bear" Arms - Blended T-Shirt - JMF Regular Price $34.99 Sale Price $29.99 New Cadence Merch Quick View “I Left My Home" - Soft Blend Cotton T-Shirt - JMF Regular Price $34.99 Sale Price $29.99 Quick View Cadences Volume 1 (CD) Regular Price $29.99 Sale Price $24.99 Quick View "Keep Marching" - Blended T-Shirt - JMF Regular Price $29.99 Sale Price $27.49 New Gun/Bear Merch Quick View Right to "Bear" Arms - JMF Hooded Sweatshirt Regular Price $59.99 Sale Price $54.99 New Samson-Inspired Merch Quick View "Strength Like This" - Soft Blend Cotton T-Shirt - JMF Regular Price $29.99 Sale Price $27.49 Quick View Cadences Volume 2 (CD) Regular Price $29.99 Sale Price $24.99 Quick View Cadences Volume 4 (CD) Regular Price $29.99 Sale Price $24.99 Quick View Cadences Volume 3 (CD) Regular Price $29.99 Sale Price $24.99 New Cadence Merch Quick View "Sound Off" - Soft Blend Cotton T-Shirt Regular Price $34.99 Sale Price $29.99 I’m a dump truck baby And I’m dumping down the line I’m a dump truck baby And I’m dumping down the line ​ So you better get out of my way now Before I dump all over you Before I hammer all over you Before I roll all over you Before I break your heart in two ​ It takes a little, a little, a little rock and roll It’s the kind that, the kind that, the kind that soothes your soul ‘Cause I’m a jackhammer baby I’m a steam roller baby I’m a heartbreaker baby And Imma roll all over you Listen to this cadence: Song Name: Steam Roller (Army Version) Album Name: Cadences Volume 1 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 Find lyrics to your favorite cadences: Scroll through dozens of jodies and search your favorites for lyrics, CDs, Spotify, Youtube, Apple links, and more! Cadence Library