The Retreat

Music by elton john

Lyrics by bernie taupin

Released as a uk b-side in september, 1982



They laid beneath the pine trees with their caps over their eyes

They were drunk with home and mama as they brushed away the flies

In an instant before the sunrise they had gunned the rebels down

As their flags were torn at half mast in the ruins of the town



There were white sails on the water for the crippled on the beach

There was a lack of ammunition so the cause was incomplete

When the bugle blew at breakfast and they knew their ships were in

Signs of grand assurance were carried on the wind





Take it home, take it low, take responsibilities

Came the message from the front

For the captains, captains quarters must retreat

Pack the compass, pack the tents, take the bunks





They just chalked it down in history but they kept their uniforms

They put their medals on the sideboards and they went back to their farms

For it was just a mere reminder that they stood beside the best

That god had saved the chosen few and the devil took the rest





On the planes above the rock face where the sculptured eagles swoop

There's a haunted yell for action among the spectres of his troops

It was silent on the coastline as the crazy angels danced

With the sound of retreating footfall from his military camp


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