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