Fiddling the Day Away: "Gary Owen"

Join our talented musicians at the Frontier Culture Museum of Virginia as they explore songs across time. We’ll look at how music is affected by both location and culture.

Today’s song is titled “Gary Owen”. It’s named for a particular part of a limerick. This song, like “Lilliburlero”, has a meaning that has changed with time. Originally, the tune was played as a dancing or drinking song. Later, it would become the regimental song of the 7th US Cavalry Regiment, who fought against Native people in the west, and perpetrated a number of massacres on Native towns. After the 100th commemoration of the Battle of Washita, it was declared that the tune would never be used against Native people again.

The different meanings of this song, as they have evolved throughout history, highlight how music can adapt to take on a new context. In this song, the melody symbolizes both celebration and conflict. We hope you will enjoy this tune!

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About the Frontier Culture Museum:

The Frontier Culture Museum of Virginia is a living history museum located in Staunton, VA, the heart of the Shenandoah Valley. The Frontier Culture Museum tells the stories of thousands of immigrants who traveled from their native homelands to Virginia and how culture has evolved from the 1740s to the 1850s. Learn more and plan your visit today at frontiermuseum.org.