Music helped pass the time, reminded listeners of times past and future hopes. We still keep these period songs alive today around the campfire or on the march.

Playing in the background on the homepage as well as here is the one song held most dear by members of the Seventh Infantry. It is the Regimental March entitled "The Girl I Left Behind Me". More men in history have marched away to this song than any other. Its origins are Irish and English and are very old. Aside from being the Regimental March it is also still played at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point at the final Parade before graduation.

Regimental tradition says during the New Orleans Campaign of 1814-1815 the Seventh captured a British soldier, who happened to be singing or whistling this song. This was either in the action at Villerie’s Plantation or Line Jackson. By rite of conquest it was asserted this would become the Regiment’s March.

The story may be apocryphal, and certainly more research needs to be done on its origins. Whether this moment occurred or not, the story makes for great telling and fosters the creation of the all-important factor of unit pride.

This tradition carries on today. Over 180 years from the action outside New Orleans, " The Girl I left Behind Me" still serves as the March of today’s active duty Seventh Infantry.

In his book, To the Halls of the Montezumas, Robert W. Johannsen writes, "Even more popular was a song that held special meaning to fighting men throughout the English speaking world…."The Girl I Left Behind Me". Indeed the tune became so popular that the Mexicans themselves adopted it…The popularity of "The Girl I Left Behind Me" never waned; it was sung by American soldiers throughout the 19^th century and beyond. A parody of the song,"in compliment to General Santa Anna", was circulated following the Battle of Cerro Gordo, "The Leg I Left Behind Me".

"One night in camp after the men had retired following a long days march, a Tennessee volunteer brought out his ‘clarionette’ and began playing first "The Girl I Left Behind Me", and then "Home, Sweet Home", the notes floating gently through the quiet air".

The following lyrics are taken from the Forget Me Not Songster, published in Boston by G.W. Cottrell of 36 Cornhill Street. The publication date is between 1820-40.