ramblin' jack elliott
soldier's last letter
When the postman delivered the letter 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"