The days grow longer for smaller prizes
I feel a stranger to all surprises
You can have them, I don't want them
I wear a different kind of garment
In my rehearsals for retirement

The lights are cold again, they dance below me
I turn to old friends, they do not know me
All except the beggar, he remembers
That I put a penny down for payment
In my rehearsals for retirement

If I'd havе known the end would end in laughtеr
I'd tell my daughter it doesn't matter

The stage is tainted with empty voices
The ladies painted, they have no choices
Me, I take my colors from the stable
They lie in tatters by the tournament
In my rehearsals for retirement

Where are the armies that killed a country
And turned a strong man into a baby?
Here comes the rabble, they are welcome
I wait in anger and amusement
In my rehearsals for retirement
If I'd have known the end would end in laughter
I'd tell my daughter it doesn't matter

Farewell my own true love, farewell my fancy
Are you still owin' me love, though you failed me?
One last gesture for your pleasure
I'll paint your memory on the monument
In my rehearsals for retirement