The warship had landed and I'd come ashore
The fighting was over for me evermore
For I had been wounded they left me for dead
A stone for me pillow and snow for me bed

The enemy found me and took me away
And made me a prisoner of war so they say
But God in his mercy was with me one day
The gate was left open and I ran away

I return to the old home my sweet wife to see
The home I had build for my darling and me
The door I then opened and there on the stand
I saw a picture of her and I ran away

* Refrain

The clothes she was wearing told me the sad tale
My sarling was wearing a new bridal veil
Then I found a letter and these words I read
Missing in action she thought I was dead

* Refrain

So I kissed her picture and whispered good bye
My poor heart was breaking but my eyes were dry
I know she'd be happy if she never learned
I know she must never know I had returned

* Refrain

A vagabond dreamer forever I'll roam
Because there was no one to welcome me home

* Refrain

The face of my darling no more I shall see
For missing in action forever I'll be