This has probably been discussed many times before, however - A curious question.

Has anyone noticed that the Enclave Radio song "Hail, Columbia" sounds nothing like the actual song "Hail, Columbia" ? It has neither the same tune nor the same cadence as the first unofficial national anthem of the United States. Yet the Fallout wiki, and apparently Bethesda, seem to think they are the same song.

Why is that? Anybody know? If it's simply a mislabeled song, does anyone know what it actually is?

I haven't see anyone bring this up, so congrates on that.

Going on youtube and playing a couple versions of the song and comparing them to Fallout 3 version. They are the same song.

Could be what is throwing you off is the version you listen too, as in what instruments are used and musical scale its played in. If I am using the term right, I am not a music guy.

Seems to me that the song used in Fallout 3 is in a faster tempo. It sounds like a version of Hail Columbia that would be used for a marching band.

But I, like Styles, am not a music person.

It sounds like marching band music to me as well.

Respectfully, I'm afraid I must disagree with you. Here are several examples of the Youtube versions that come up regularly. The notes themselves are completely different notes, in completely different places, regardless of wether they are speeded up or slowed down.

(add youtube dot come before the following, as it won't let me post links.)

watch?v=tfbiw6vhYiQ

watch?v=FyIqvZSuptk

Or, as another example, try singing the lyrics of the song to the tune (available on wikipedia, as this draconian forum policy will not let me post links) No part of the lyrics matches the tune in Fallout 3 at all. Try it yourself, if you don't believe me.

You can post the youtube links just fine, just as long as they aren't age restricted.

Fallout 3's version ==> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sR9r_OrTan8

Another Version ==>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FyIqvZSuptk

The problem you might be having is that the second version is longer. Fallout 3's version cuts out the first 30 or so seconds of the song.

Then it might be a slightly altered version to reflect a less ceremonious tone. However, after comparing both the "official" and Fallout 3 versions, you can certainly here the similarity. Its the same song without a doubt.


Yes, this as well.

Once again - and to be clear, please understand, I am not attempting to argue or troll - I simply don't agree.

Please consider the actual notes - they don't compare at all in pattern, making for a different melody, regardless of instrument, or speed.

Try humming them to yourself, or playing the melodys on any insturment, and you'll notice the substantial difference.

Think about it this way - if you sing "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" very fast, or very slow, you still hit the same highs and lows in sound. This song doesn't even hit the same highs and lows that Hail Columbia does.

Its difficult to express this using simply text, and without everyone in the discussion (including myself) being able to read sheet music. But it is different. And not just because its a "shorter version".

Actually this has been brought up before. Well over a year ago as I recall.

Someone asked about that song, and it was identified as Hail Columbia. But it really does sound very different based on the youtube versions.

The Fallot version is shorter and is played in marching band style with brass instruments.

The second version is longer (ignore the first 30 seconds or so) and played with wind instruments and has a base (drums) over tone to it.

But they are the same song. Music can sound differently depending on the tempo and instruments used and what key its played in.

You would need to find the music sheets I guess to be the final say. But to me its the same song.

My thoughts exactly.

Also, the song may have been slightly modified or altered to fit with the marching band tune but Its not like its unusual for this to be done. Its still the same song.

These are two very different songs. The refrains are obviously completely different regardless of instrumentation or tempo changes.
If I remember, I'll play them for my wife. She's a classically trained musician with a graduate degree. But I know what she's going to say. "Of course they're different. Are you sure your not tone deaf?"