Cat. #0792 (MFH #717) - As sung by Ollie Gilbert, Mountain View, Arkansas on June 25, 1969
VERSE 1
Th warship had landed and I was ashore
Th fighting was over, for me evermore
I was wounded, they left me for dead
Stone for my pillow, an' snow for my bed
VERSE 2
Th enemy found me, took me away
They made me a prisoner of war, so they say
But God, in his mercy was with me one day
Th gates was left open, an' I ran away
VERSE 3
I returned to my ole home, n' sweet wife to see
Home I'd built for my darl'in an' me
Th door it was open an' there on a stand
Was a picture, of her an' a man
VERSE 4
Th clothes she was wearing, told th sad tale
My darling was wearing new bridal veil
There was a letter, these words it read
Miss'in in action, she thought I was dead
VERSE 5
I kissed her picture n' whispered good-bye
Poor heart was broken but my eyes were dry
I knew it was to late for her now to learn
I knew she must never know I had returned
VERSE 6
Way worn wander; forever I roam
Fer there is no one t' welcome me home
Th face of my darl'in, no more I shall see
Miss'in in action, forever I'll be