The night was icy cold, I stood aloneWaiting for an army foot patrolThen at last they came within my sightI squeezed the trigger of my ArmaliteOh mama, oh mama, comfort meI know these awful things have got to beBut when the war for freedom has been wonI promise you I'll put away my gunShots ran out I heard a soldier cryOh please don't leave me here alone to dieI realised his patrol had gone awayAnd left their wounded comrade for me to slayOh mama, oh mama, comfort meI know these awful things have got to beBut when the war for freedom has been wonI promise you I shall put away my gunWell there's nothing in this world I would not giveIf mercy in your heart you'd let me liveIn his eyes, I saw a begging flameAs the muzzle of my gun moved toward his brainOh mama, oh mama, comfort meI know these awful things have got to beBut when the war for freedom has been wonI promise you I'll put away my gunThe dawn was breaking as I reached my baseI can't forget the look on that boy's faceFear, agony and torment were all thereBut to your memory mama his life I sparedOh mama, oh mama, comfort meI know these awful things have got to beBut when the war for freedom has been wonI promise you I shall put away my gunYes I promise you I'll put away my gun
