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Play the Melody!

This page shows the main melody notes – not chords!
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A B C DO RE MI Sa Re Ga 1 2 3

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When Johnny Comes Marching Home


The song "When Johnny Comes Marching Home" in the original key of G major was composed by musician and songwriter Louis Lambert in 1863. It gained popularity as a wartime song during the American Civil War and has been performed by various artists throughout the years, one of whom being Percy Dilmore. Dilmore was an American baritone singer known for his interpretations of popular patriotic songs. The song itself became a symbol of hope and anticipation for soldiers returning home from war. A fun trivia about the song is that it was also used as a rallying cry during the Irish Fenian uprising. "When Johnny Comes Marching Home" features a lively and uplifting melody, showcasing the optimism and relief associated with the end of war and the joyful reunion of loved ones.


When Johnny Comes Marching Home - Percy Dilmore

d d g g g a a# a a# g
f d f
d g g g a a# a a# C D a# D
a# C D D D C a# C C C a a# a# a# a g a
a a a# C D C a# a
d g g g g f# g