Hard to keep the tear out of my eyes
For this might be our last goodbye
Your country calls you to defend a great land,
So do your part just like a man

Down where the river bends,
With God's help we'll meet again
Under the same old sycamore tree,
Proud of each other in the land of the free

I'll go down to the ocean blue
And get just as close as I can to you
Though the ocean wide may keep us apart
It won't keep you dear from out of my heart

Down where the river bends
With God's help we'll meet again
Under the same old sycamore tree
Proud of each other in the land of the free

If the worst should happen, and the poppies should wave
Over your far distant lonely grave
All the rest of my life I'll spend in prayer
I'll meet you in heaven, there'll be no wars there,

Down where the river bends
With God's help we'll meet again
Under the same old sycamore tree
Proud of each other in the land of the free