The night was icy cold, I stood alone
waiting for an army foot patrol
then at last they came within my sight
I squeezed the trigger of my armalite
oh mama, oh mama, comfort me I know these awful things have got to be but when the war for freedom has been won
I promise you I’ll put away my gun
Shots ran out I heard a soldier cry
oh please don’t leave me here alone to die
I realised his patrol had gone away
and left their wounded comrade for me to slay
oh mama, oh mama, comfort me I know these awful things have got to be but when the war for freedom has been won
I promise you I shall put away my gun
Well there’s nothing in this world I would not give
if mercy in your heart you’d let me live
in his eyes I saw a begging flame
as the muzzle of my gun moved towards his brain
oh mama, oh mama, comfort me I know these awful things have got to be but when the war for freedom has been won
I promise you I’ll put away my gun
the dawn was breaking as I reached my base
I can’t forget the look on that boy’s face
fear, agony and torment were all there
but to your memory mama his life I spared
oh mama, oh mama, comfort me I know these awful things have got to be but when the war for freedom has been won
I promise you I shall put away my gun
yes I promise you I’ll put away my gun