"Columbia, the Gem of the Ocean" is an American patriotic song which was popular in the United States during the early 20th and mid-19th centuries, especially during the U.S. Civil War era. It functioned as an unofficial national anthem in competition with "Hail, Columbia" and "The Star-Spangled Banner" until the latter's formal adoption as the national anthem of the United States in 1931. For many years, the song's melody was used as the Voice of America's interval signal. Lyrics: O Columbia! the gem of the ocean, The home of the brave and the free, The shrine of each patriot's devotion, A world offers homage to thee; Thy mandates make heroes assemble, When Liberty's form stands in view; Thy banners make tyranny tremble, When borne by the red, white, and blue. When borne by the red, white, and blue, When borne by the red, white, and blue, Thy banners make tyranny tremble, When borne by the red, white and blue. The star spangled banner bring hither, O'er Columbia's true sons let it wave; May the wreaths they have won never wither, Nor its stars cease to shine on the brave. May thy service united ne'er sever, But hold to the colors so true; The Army and Navy forever, Three cheers for the red, white, and blue! Three cheers for the red, white, and blue! Three cheers for the red, white, and blue! The Army and Navy forever, Three cheers for the red, white, and blue!