By: Jimmy Buffett
1970
I didn't know we were at war
I've been away so long
Trying to help once lost men
Distinguish right from wrong
I didn't know we'd killed the men
Our leaders proud and strong
The situation's changed my friend
I've been away too long
I taught my friends
How we had gained respect for every man
And freedom flowed like jungle streams
While peace embraced the land
I told them how we'd learned to change
Our sword blades into plows
I told them they should learn from us
What should I tell them now
Chorus:
'Cause I didn't know we were at war
I've been away so long
Trying to help once lost men
Distinguish right from wrong
The jungle silence shut them off
From civilized mankind
Their nakedness was no disgrace
No censors could I find
The population lived in peace
All brothers on their own
And now that I have seen the mess
I don't think I'll go home
Chorus:
'Cause I didn't know we were at war
I've been away so long
I told them they should learn from us
I think I told them wrong