D A The night was icy cold I stood along A7 D I was waiting for an army foot patrol D A And when at last they came into my sight D 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.