Elton John - The Retreat Lyrics
Music by elton johnLyrics by bernie taupinReleased as a uk b-side in september, 1982They laid beneath the pine trees with their caps over their eyesThey were drunk with home and mama as they brushed away the fliesIn an instant before the sunrise they had gunned the rebels downAs their flags were torn at half mast in the ruins of the townThere were white sails on the water for the crippled on the beachThere was a lack of ammunition so the cause was incompleteWhen the bugle blew at breakfast and they knew their ships were inSigns of grand assurance were carried on the windTake it home, take it low, take responsibilitiesCame the message from the frontFor the captains, captains quarters must retreatPack the compass, pack the tents, take the bunksThey just chalked it down in history but they kept their uniformsThey put their medals on the sideboards and they went back to their farmsFor it was just a mere reminder that they stood beside the bestThat God had saved the chosen few and the devil took the restOn the planes above the rock face where the sculptured eagles swoopTheres a haunted yell for action among the spectres of his troopsIt was silent on the coastline as the crazy angels dancedWith the sound of retreating footfall from his military camp
