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