Forward

Were you there at Elgin High, class of 1949?
Cutest boy she'd ever seen and more
Bigger plans were put in play, one day he would drive away
Join with the marines and go to war

'Oh my gosh', he said, 'I'll have to kill a man someday'
His mother's prayers were answered when they sent him far away
The captain said, 'Jack, that's an order'
'You never retreat, you go forward'

Were you there when he returned, with the things that he had learned?
She was still right there just like before
They got married, settled down, and soon they heard the magic sound
Of tiny little feet across the floor

Soon it was decided that they had so much to give, that
Just to make a living wasn't any way to live
He said, 'People need us in their corner'
'You never retreat, you go forward'

Were you at United Way, Easter Seal, YMCA?
Boys and Girls and Gail Borden too
60 years had come and gone, Jack and Marlene going strong and
14 grandkids loved them through and through

Then the winter came and he grew weary in his bed, but
As long as people think of you, you're never really dead
Look to the light you rise toward
Lift up your arms and go forward
You never retreat, you go forward