THE BEAT OF MY DRUM
by John T. Baker
When I was a lad and I played in the park
And I dreamed of the days yet to come,
My head I held high and I learned not to cry
As I skipped to the beat of my drum.

Then time galloped on and I went off to war
And I prayed for the peace that must come;
My flag I flew high and I dared never cry
As I marched to the beat of my drum.

And when I returned with the world all aglow
Then I longed for delights slow to come;
With my head in the sky I forgot how to cry
As I danced to the beat of my drum.

But now it is late and the shadows grow long
And I ponder the end soon to come;
When it's time for goodbye, do you think I may cry
While I still hear the beat of my drum?