Beat the retreat - Strawbs

The rat race was over

Before it was won

And I started walking

When I could have run

Like a child who missed out

On a Sunday school treat

Now you know how I feel when

I beat the retreat

I slept like a soldier

My gun at my side

My uniform folded

I wore it with pride

I could not rest contented

Till I joined the elite

Now you know how I feel when

I beat the retreat

This winter wind brings

Such a chill to my bones

Erect in my memory

A small cairn of stones

So that those from afar

Can see where our paths meet

Now you know how I feel when

I beat the retreat

The last post is sounding

Now it’s time to be gone

There’s no further reason

For singing this song

The battle is over

I accept the defeat

Now you know how I feel when

I beat the retreat