As I walked through the gates for the very last time
And heard them close behind
My eyes were closed by a flood of tears
As the thoughts seemed so refined
The memories, to me, came flooding back
Of happiness and sorrow
As I realized that what was past
Would not be there tomorrow
The furlough’s and the binges
And the women we’ve loved at a cost
The battles in which we’ve taken part
And the colleagues that we’ve lost
Was I right to sign away my life
Not knowing what I could have had
But that was all so long ago
When I was but a mere lad
But the clock can never backward turn
And you’re a “civvie” now
So pick up your bags and forward go
Wipe that worried look from your brow
It’s time to plan your future
For fate can be unkind
You’ll never forget your time in the Andrew
It’s eternal on your mind