Garryowen was named after the old Irish tune "Garry Owen" which was one of Lt. Col. George Armstrong Custer's favorite marching songs. "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 Cavalry was singing the song under the influence of spirits, and Custer happened by, liked the rhythm, and soon began to hum the tune. Garryowen is derived from Gaelic meaning Owen's garden, which is a suburb of Limerick, Ireland. The tune has a fast paced and lively beat. The song was adopted as the regimental song 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.
Garryowen, also known and Garyowen, Garry Owen and Gary Owens, is an Irish dance tune of the 1800s which became the marching tune for the 69th Infantry Regiment, New York Militia, in the mid-1800's. It later became the marching tune for the US 7th Cavalry Regiment during the late 1800's. The tune was a favorite of General George Armstrong Custer and became the official air of the Regiment in 1867. According to legend it was the last tune played before the Battle of the Little Bighorn.
The name of the tune has become a part of the regiment, the words Garry Owen are part of the regimental crest, and there is a Camp Garry Owen, north of Seoul, Korea, which houses part of the 4th Squadron of the regiment.
Crest of the U.S. Seventh Cavalry Regiment. The Seventh Cavalry regiment became a part of the US 1st Cavalry Division in 1921, and "Garryowen" became the official tune of the division in 1981.
The tune has also been associated with a number of British military units, and is the authorised regimental march of The Irish Regiment of Canada.

Lyrics of the song are as follows:

"Garryowen"

[Verse 1]

Let Bacchus's 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 reckoning on the nail,
for debt no man shall go to jail
from Garry Owen in glory

[Verse 2]

We are the boys who take delight
in smashing Limerick lamps at night,
and through the street like sportsters fight,
tearing all before us. (Chorus)

[Verse 3]

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)

[Verse 4]

We'll beat the bailiffs out of fun,
we'll make the mayor and sheriffs run,
we are the boys no man dare dun,
if he regards a whole skin. (Chorus)

[Verse 5]

Our hearts so stout have got us fame,
for soon 'tis known from whence we came,
where're we go they dread the name,
of Garry Owen in glory. (Chorus)

In 1905, there was a special set of lyrics written for the special troopers of the 7th Cavalry Regiment:

[Verse 1]

We are the pride of the Army
and a regiment of great renown,
Our Name's on the pages of History.
From sixty-six on down.
If you think we stop or falter
While into the fray we're going
Just watch the steps with our heads erect,
While our band plays Garryowen. (Chorus)

"Chorus"

In the Fighting Seventh's the place for me,
Its the cream of all the Cavalry;
No other regiment ever can claim
Its pride, honor, glory and undying fame.

[Verse 2]

We know fear when stern duty
Calls us far away from home,
Our country's flag shall safely o'er us wave,
No matter where we roam.
"Tis the gallant 7th Cavalry
It matters not where we are going"
Such you'll surely say as we march away;
And our band plays Garryowen. (Chorus)

[Verse 3]

Then hurrah for our brave commanders!
Who led us into the fight.
We'll do or die in our country's cause,
And battle for the right.
And when the war is o'er,
And to our home we're goin
Just watch your step, with our heads erect,
When our band plays Garryowen. (Chorus)

Reference: Edward L. Daily; "From Custer to MacArthur, the 7th US Cavalry"


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