"Garryowen" is known to have been used by Irish regiments as a drinking song. As the story goes, one of the Irish "melting pot" troopers of the 7th Cavalry, under the influence of "spirits,” was singing the song. By chance Custer heard the melody, liked the cadence, and soon began to hum the tune himself. The tune has a lively beat, that accentuates the cadence of marching horses, and for that reason was adopted as the regimental song soon after Custer arrived at Fort Riley, Kansas to take over command of the 7th Cavalry Regiment. It was the last song played for Custer's men as they left General Terry's column at the Powder River and rode into history.

During First Team ceremonies the song is not sung; however, it is customary for the song to be played at the conclusion of the activities and the guests stand and clap.

Lyrics of the song are as follows:

GARRYOWEN

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 Garryowen in glory

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)

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)

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)

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 Garryowen in glory (Chorus)