diff --git a/scripts/build.sh b/scripts/build.sh
index 1c8c10d016..57feada585 100755
--- a/scripts/build.sh
+++ b/scripts/build.sh
@@ -17,7 +17,7 @@ cd "$DIR"
 # Get the git commit
 GIT_COMMIT="$(git rev-parse HEAD)"
 GIT_DIRTY="$(test -n "`git status --porcelain`" && echo "+CHANGES" || true)"
-GIT_DESCRIBE="$(git describe --tags)"
+GIT_DESCRIBE="$(git describe --tags --always)"
 
 # Determine the arch/os combos we're building for
 XC_ARCH=${XC_ARCH:-"386 amd64 arm"}