I've got a tender hearted baby and the least little thing will make her cry
That's why tonight I dread to see her cause I'm gonna have to tell her goodbye

The draft has called and I must go to places far away
And in my heart I know I won't be back for many a day
In three years she'll be out of school and I'll be twenty-three
Tonight I'll ask her through the tears if she will wait for me
I've got a tender hearted baby
Cause I'm gonna have to tell her goodbye