The tune is familiar to anyone who has seen the John Ford cavalry westerns, or any movie that depicts the Little Bighorn. The regimental march of the Seventh Cavalry had its orgins in this rousing song about hellrakes in Ireland.
It became a favourite with several cavalry regiments, including those in the British Light Brigade. Perhaps given their fate, and that of Custer's command, it's not a terribly lucky song.
"In place of water we'll drink ale,
and pay our reckoning on the nail,
and none of us shall bide in jail,
if he from Garryowen hail."
