Learning the U.S. presidents in order can feel like a daunting task, but setting the names to music can make memorization much easier. This article explores the benefits of using a song to learn the presidents and provides the lyrics to a catchy tune that covers all 46 U.S. presidents in chronological order. This “presidents song” is a fantastic tool for students, history buffs, or anyone looking for a fun and effective way to master this historical information.
The Power of Music for Memorization
Music has a unique ability to enhance memory and learning. Melody and rhythm create patterns that our brains easily recognize and retain. By associating historical facts with a song, we leverage this natural cognitive process to make learning more engaging and effective. A song about the presidents can transform a rote memorization exercise into an enjoyable activity.
Lyrics to the Presidents in Order Song
This song provides a concise overview of each president, often including a key fact or accomplishment to aid in remembering them. Let’s dive into the lyrics:
(Verse 1)
America’s president number one, Founding Father Washington.
John Adams, second president, The very first White House resident.
Thomas Jefferson, number three, Doubled the size of our country.
Madison led us, number four, Through the 1812 war.
(Verse 2)
James Monroe is number five, His Monroe Doctrine still survives.
Another Adams, John Quincy, Rose to the sixth presidency.
Seven, Andrew Jackson, Was a frontier common man.
Number eight, Van Buren, First president born an “American.”
(Verse 3)
Harrison, nine, passed away, One month after Inaugural Day.
John Tyler, president number ten, Established the White House “guard” men.
James K. Polk, eleven, Looked to western expansion.
Taylor, twelve, of the army, Nicknamed “Rough and Ready.”
(Verse 4)
Thirteen, Fillmore, in his eyes, Best for all was a compromise.
Fourteen, Franklin Pierce is here, The Civil War is drawing near.
James Buchanan, fifteen, The one bachelor we’ve ever seen.
Sixteen, Lincoln, “Honest Abe,” Fought the war that freed the enslaved!
(Verse 5)
Seventeen, Andrew Johnson, Started Reconstruction.
Eighteen, Union General Grant, Had led his troops with good judgment.
Nineteen, President R.B. Hayes, Sworn in on two separate days.
Garfield, number twenty, Killed while in his presidency.
(Verse 6)
Chester Arthur, twenty-one, Sought reform and got it done.
Grover Cleveland, twenty-two, Remember him ‘cause he’s not through.
Twenty-three, Harrison, comes again, It’s William’s grandson, Benjamin.
Grover Cleveland, twenty-four, Ran for the White House, elected once more.
(Verse 7)
Here’s McKinley, twenty-five, The Twentieth Century had arrived.
Teddy Roosevelt, twenty-six, “Speak softly and carry a big stick!”
Twenty-seven, Taft we see, Biggest man in the presidency.
Woodrow Wilson, twenty-eight, Thought a League of Nations was great.
(Verse 8)
Twenty-nine, Harding, Post-World War One, “Normalcy” promised to everyone.
Calvin Coolidge, thirty, Taught one and all frugality.
Herbert Hoover, thirty-one, Oh no! The Depression had begun.
Franklin Roosevelt, thirty-two, With his “New Deal” the country grew.
(Verse 9)
Harry Truman, thirty-three, Won with atomic energy.
Eisenhower, thirty-four, Commanded in the Second World War.
Thirty-five, John Kennedy, Assassinated in ’63.
Thirty-six, Johnson, Lyndon B., He declared a “War on Poverty.”
(Verse 10)
Thirty-seven, Nixon went far, Opening China and the U.S.S.R.
Gerald R. Ford, thirty-eight, Moved the nation forward past Watergate.
Thirty-nine, with all his might, Carter fought for human rights.
Reagan, forty, from the West, Taught the world that freedom’s best.
(Verse 11)
Bush, forty-one, showed solid form, Freed a nation in “Desert Storm.”
Forty-two, Bill Clinton, President through the Millennium.
George W. Bush, number forty-three, Strengthened Homeland Security.
First to be elected of African descent, Obama our Forty-Fourth President.
(Verse 12)
Donald Trump, the forty-fifth Head of State, An entrepreneur of real estate.
Forty-six, Joe Biden here we see, Now he leads our country!
Conclusion
Learning the presidents in order doesn’t have to be boring. By using the power of music and this catchy song, you can effectively memorize the names and even some key facts about each U.S. president. So, start singing and make learning history fun!
