Air Force Song

"The U.S. Air Force," known to most people by its opening line "Off We Go Into the Wild Blue Yonder," is the official song of the United States Air Force.

The Lyrics

Off we go into the wild blue yonder, Climbing high into the sun; Here they come zooming to meet our thunder, At 'em now, give 'em the gun! Down we dive, spouting our flame from under, Off with one helluva roar! We live in fame or go down in flame. Hey! Nothing'll stop the U.S. Air Force!

Brilliant minds fashioned a crate of thunder, Sent it high into the blue; Valiant hands blasted the world asunder; How they lived God only knew! Boundless souls dreaming of skies to conquer Gave us wings, ever to soar! With scouts before and bombers galore. Hey! Nothing'll stop the U.S. Air Force!

Here's a toast to the host Of those who love the vastness of the sky, To a friend we send a message of the brave who serve on high. We drink to those who gave their all of old, Then down we roar to score the rainbow's pot of gold. A toast to the host of those we boast, the U.S. Air Force!

Off we go into the wild sky yonder, Keep the wings level and true; If you'd live to be a grey-haired wonder Keep the nose out of the blue! Fly to fight, guarding the nation's border, We'll be there, followed by more! In echelon we carry on. Oh, nothing'll stop the U.S. Air Force!

History and Tradition

The song was written in 1939 by Robert MacArthur Crawford, an amateur pilot, after Liberty magazine sponsored a contest to find an official song for the Army Air Corps. Crawford's entry was chosen from 757 submissions, and he first performed it publicly at the Cleveland Air Races in September 1939. As the service evolved (Army Air Corps, then Army Air Forces, then the independent U.S. Air Force in 1947) the title changed along with it, but the melody and spirit stayed the same.

Most Airmen know the first verse by heart. That is the one sung at official functions. The later verses are performed less often but are part of the full song.

When It's Played

You will hear the Air Force Song at graduations, change-of-command and retirement ceremonies, official functions, and sporting events. The tradition is to stand when it is played. Many Airmen learn at least the first verse during BMT.