Well, it filled her old heart full of joy But she didn't know 'til she read the inside It was the last one from her darling boy "Dear Mom," was the way that it started "I miss you so much," it went on "And Mom, I didn't know that I loved you so But I'll prove it when this war is won" "I'm writing this down in a trench, Mom So don't scold if it isn't so neat For you know as you did when I was a kid And would come home with mud on my feet" "Well, the captain just gave us our orders And Mom, we will carry them through I'll finish this letter the first chance I get But for now I'll just say I love you" Then the mother's old hands began to tremble As she fought against tears in her eyes For they came unashamed, there was no name And she knew that her darlin' had died That night as she knelt down by her bedside She prayed, "Lord above, hear my plea Protect all the sons who are fighting tonight And dear God, keep America free"