“Bullets and Bayonets” (1918)

More than many of Sousa’s other marches, this World War I composition has a distinctly military character. In studying the music, Sousa’s apparent inspiration by visions of battlefield glory is not difficult to imagine. But perhaps its war-like title accounted for the relative lack of popularity.

There is no record of solicitation by a specific regiment, but the march was dedicated “To the officers and men of the U.S. Infantry.”

Paul E. Bierley, The Works of John Philip Sousa (Westerville, Ohio: Integrity Press, 1984), 44. Used by permission.