Standard (EADGBE)

The night was icy cold I stood aalong

 I was waiting for an army foot patrol

 And when at last they came into my sight

 I squeezed the trigger of my armalite

Oh mama, oh mama comfort me

For 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.

A shot rang out, I heard a soldier cry

"Oh please don't leave me here alone to die"

I realized his patrol had run away

And left their wounded comrade for me to slay.

Oh mama, oh mama comfort me

For 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.

"There's nothing in this world I would not do

If there's mercy in your heart you'll let me live"

And in his eyes I saw a look of pain

As the mussel of my gun moved towards his brain.

Oh mama, oh mama comfort me

For 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 will not forget the look on that boy's face

Fear, agony, and torment where all there

Oh but to your memory, mother, his life I spared.

Oh mama, oh mama comfort me

For 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.