See them talking on the corner You'll see them every day So many words, so many reasons About the ship that sailed away Was it something to do with business Was it love that done them wrong Always somebody else to blame it seems, For the half chance been and gone The beat goes on, I say the beat goes on The beat goes on
See them drinking in the corners, Be amazed at what they say They've all got their tears and stories About the big one that got away There are always so many reasons Why they missed that place that day Tales of woe and treason About the ship that sailed away
Yeah, the beat goes on I see them everyday, And... the beat goes on