verse 1
F C/E Bb/D F
They laid beneath the pine trees with their caps over their eyes
Bb F G C
They were drunk with home and mama as they brushed away the flies
F C/E Bb F
In an instant before the sunrise they had gunned the rebels down
Bb F C F
As their flags were torn at half mast in the ruins of the town
verse 2
F C/E Bb/D F
There were white sails on the water for the crippled on the beach
Bb F G C
There was a lack of ammunition so the cause was incomplete
F C/E Bb F
When the bugle blew at breakfast and they knew their ships were in
Bb F C F
Signs of grand assurance were carried on the wind
F C/E Dm F/C Bb F
Take it home, take it low, take responsibilities
Gm C Bb C
Came the message from the front
F C/E Dm F/C Bb C/A
For the captains, captains quarters must retreat
Gm7 C Bb F
Pack the compass, pack the tents, take the bunks
verse 3
F C/E Bb F/C
They just chalked it down in history but they kept their uniforms
Bb F G C
They put their medals on the sideboards and they went back to their farms
F C/E Bb F
For it was just a mere reminder that they stood beside the best
Bb F C F
That God had saved the chosen few and the devil took the rest
F C/E Dm F/C Bb F
Take it home, take it low, take responsibilities
Gm C Bb C
Came the message from the front
F C/E Dm F/C Bb C/A
For the captains, captains quarters must retreat
Gm7 C Bb F
Pack the compass, pack the tents, take the bunks
verse 4
F C/E Bb/D F
On the planes above the rock face where the sculptured eagles swoop
Bb F G C
There's a haunted yell for action among the spectres of his troops
F C/E Bb F
It was silent on the coastline as the crazy angels danced
Bb F C F
With the sound of retreating footfall from his military camp
F C/E Dm F/C Bb F
Take it home, take it low, take responsibilities
Gm C Bb C
Came the message from the front
F C/E Dm F/C Bb C/A
For the captains, captains quarters must retreat
Gm7 C Bb F
Pack the compass, pack the tents, take the bunks