I'm writing this down in a trench, mom
Don't scold if it isn't so neat
The way that you did when I was a kid
And I'd come home with mud on my feet

The captain just gave us our orders
And Mom I will carry them through
And 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
And she fought against tears in her eyes
But they came unashamed 'cause there was no name
And she knew that her soldier had died

And then she knelt down by her bedside
And she prayed, Lord above hear my plea
Protect all the soldiers who are fighting tonight
And dear God, keep America free

I'm writing this down in a trench, mom
Don't scold if it isn't so neat
The way that you did when I was a kid
And I'd come home with mud on my feet