The Colors military song is called "The Caisson Song" (also known as "The U.S. Field Artillery March"), which is usually played at formal military functions. The song is most often associated with military funerals to honor fallen soldiers and those still serving. The instrumental version of the song is usually played for Colors military ceremonies, and at formal ceremonies, the vocals are usually added in.
The lyrics of "The Caisson Song" depict how the horse-drawn caissons of the Army's Field Artillery train moved supplies and weaponry through the battlefields of past wars. In some lyrics, the soldier’s life is characterized as being arduous and lonely.
According to U.S. military tradition, the Colors military song serves as both a call to arms and a reminder of duty, and is played to show respect.
