Song : Patriotic songs sung at inauguration wo n't include `` Hail to the Chief Fortunately for Arthur , the leader of the Marine Band at the time was a pretty fair songwriter -- a young Marine sergeant major by the name of John Philip Sousa . That song is usually played , not sung . The lyrics might not fly in the political moment , he says . Greene joining in to `` Hail to the Chief '' , as we pledge cooperation ... , '' he says . Greene : Bob Greene has come and gone for presidential entrances ; words remain unsung .
Song : Patriotic songs sung at inauguration wo n't include `` Hail to the Chief That song is usually played , not sung . The lyrics might not fly in the political moment , he says . Greene joining in to `` Hail to the Chief '' , as we pledge cooperation ... , '' he says . Greene : Bob Greene has come and gone for presidential entrances ; words remain unsung .