A word or two to Mary please write a letter for me
That's what my buddy said to me today
I couldn't keep from crying sad eyes're looking at me
He said I'll tell you what I wanted to say
Oh I don't mind dyin' I just hate to leave you alone
And I wish that I could watch the children grow
But there's no use denyin' I won't be coming back home
Just a word or two to you before I go

Down on my knees beside him I begged my buddy to live
I told the Lord to please take me instead
But a word or two to Mary was all my buddy could give
And just these words were all your husband said
Oh I don't mind dyin'
[ steel ]
A word or two to Mary I must have some of my own
He was the truest friend I ever had
I'll keep writing letters to her help the children along
Tell them in a way that it's from their dad
He didn't mind dyin' he just hated to leave you alone
And he wished that he could see his children grow
I'll be standing by 'em as I know he'd want me to
And write a word or two to Mary as they grow
And write a word or two to Mary as they grow