The Retreat

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[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
[Chorus]
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 A7
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
[Chorus]
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 A7
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
[Chorus]
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 A7
For the captains, captains quarters must retreat
Gm7 C Bb F
Pack the compass, pack the tents, take the bunks

The Retreat chords and lyrics

Free chords for The Retreat by Elton John. Scroll the interactive sheet above or read the chord names inline below.

[Verse 1]
[Verse 2]
[Chorus]
[Verse 3]
[Chorus]
[Verse 4]
[Chorus]

The Retreat Chords by Elton John

Learn how to play The Retreat by Elton John with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “The Retreat chords”, “The Retreat guitar chords”, or “Elton John The Retreat chords” and you will find this page — transpose to any key, tap chords for diagrams, and use auto-scroll while you play. Perfect for beginners looking for easy The Retreat chords and for experienced players who want accurate The Retreat lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include F, C/E, Bb/D, Bb, G, C.

Frequently asked questions about The Retreat

How do I play "The Retreat" by Elton John on guitar?

Open the free chords for "The Retreat" by Elton John on Free Chord Book. Tap any chord to see its diagram, use transpose to change the key, and turn on auto-scroll to play hands-free.

Are the chords for "The Retreat" by Elton John free?

Yes. The chords for "The Retreat" by Elton John are 100% free on Free Chord Book — no sign-up required.

Can I transpose "The Retreat" to a different key?

Yes. Use the transpose buttons on the song page to shift "The Retreat" up or down by half-steps so it matches your vocal range or capo position.

Can I see chord diagrams for "The Retreat"?

Yes. Tap any chord in "The Retreat" to instantly see an interactive guitar chord diagram with alternate fingerings.

Is "The Retreat" easy to play on guitar?

Many players learn "The Retreat" by Elton John with our free chords. Use transpose and chord diagrams to simplify tricky shapes, and browse related songs by Elton John below.

What key is "The Retreat" in?

The chords for "The Retreat" show the original chord names (including F, C/E, Bb/D, Bb, G, C). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.