Garry Owen

"Garry Owen" is an old Irish quick-step that can be traced back to the 1800s. it is known to have been used by Irish regiments as a drinking song. So the story goes, one of the Irish "melting pot" members of the 7th was singing the song under the influence of spirits, and Custer happened by, liked the cadence, and soon began to hum the tune himself. Garryowen is derived from Gaelic meaning Owen's garden, is a suburb of Limerick. The tune has a lively beat, that accentuates the cadence of marching hosrses, and for that reason was adopted as the regimental sing soon after Custer arrived to take over the 7th Cavalry. It was the last song played by the band for Custer's men as they left the Terry column at the Rosebud River and rode into history.

Garry Owen

Let Bacchus' sons be not dismayed,

But join with me, each jovial blade;

Come booze and sing, and lend your aid,

To help me with the chorus.

CHORUS:

Instead of spa we'll drink down ale,

And pay the reck'ning on the nail;

No man for debt shall go to jail

From Garryowen in glory,

(Chorus)

We are the boys that take delight in

Smashing the Liverick lights when lighting,

Through the streets like sporters fighting

And tearing all before us.

(Chorus)

We'll break windows, we'll break doors,

The watch knock down by threes and fours;

Then let the doctors work their cures,

And tinker up our bruises.

(Chorus)

We'll beat the bailiffs out of fun,

We'll make the mayor and sheriffs run;

We are the bys no man dares dun,

If he regards a whole skin.

(Chorus)

Our hearts so stout have got us fame,

For soon 'tis known from whence we came;

Where'er we go they dread the name

Of Garryowen in glory.

(Chorus)

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