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It is an order that a ship's anchors be raised, To "weigh anchor" is to bring all anchor(s) aboard the vessel in preparation for departure. In response to the order, the phrase "anchors aweigh" reports back that all anchors are clear of the sea bottom; therefore the ship is officially under way.
- It was written at the U.S. Naval Academy. Bandmaster Lt. Charles A. Zimmerman served as director of the U.S. Naval Academy Band from 1887 until his death in 1916, and he wrote a march for each graduating class.
- It helped shut out the Army. By 1906, Navy had not beaten Army on the football field since 1900. Midshipman First Class Alfred Hart Miles approached Zimmerman with a request for a new march — one that would lift spirits and "live forever."
- It's chock full of naval jargon, starting with the title. An anchor is "aweigh" when it is hoisted from the bottom, freeing the vessel. This event is duly noted in the ship's log.
- It evolved over time. It wasn't until 1997 that the lyrics were finally revised (by the 8th Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy, John Hagan) to be a little less college football and a little more domination of the high seas.
Therefore, it is called “anchors aweigh,” which means the ship is prepared to leave the port or harbor. In other words, “aweigh” means to pull up. When an anchor is pulled up and placed on the deck, this act is noted down in the logbook to make the crew alert that now the ship is free to go.
Nov 18, 2023 · The phrase “Anchors Aweigh” has a nautical connotation, and it refers to the moment when a ship’s anchor is lifted from the seabed, allowing the vessel to set sail. This action symbolizes a new journey, adventure, and the spirit of exploration.
- Belinda Burke
May 15, 2024 · Q: What does “anchors aweigh” mean? “Anchors aweigh” is a nautical term that refers to the moment when an anchor is lifted off the seabed, allowing the ship to begin its journey. It signifies readiness to set sail and embark on a new adventure.
May 19, 2024 · Anchors Aweigh represents the beginning of an adventure, bidding farewell to the comforts of land and venturing into the unknown. The lyrics “Anchors aweigh, my boys, Anchors aweigh, Farewell to college joys, We sail at break of day” capture the transition from shore life to the life of a sailor.
An anchor that is aweigh is one that has just begun to put weight onto the rope or chain by which it is being hauled up. Sailors were fond of adding ‘a’ to words to make new ones, for example, ‘astern’, ‘aboard’, ashore’, ‘afloat’, ‘adrift’, ‘aground’, etc.
