I'm gonna write a letter, gonna mail it today
Just as soon as I can think of the words to say
I've been needing to send it for nearly a year
'Cause there's a woman back home who's wanting to hear

I meant to tell you, oh, Susannah
I'm a long way from Louisiana and you
And I know I promised to be returning
Just as soon as I can save the money I'm earning for you
But I'm married to twins and I'm living in Peru

I'm gonna write a letter, get it off of my mind
But you know that the words ain't easy to find
Well, I'm sitting and thinking with my pen in my hand
How can I ever make her understand?

I meant to tell you, dear Julia
I'm a long way from the states, mosquitoes and you
I'll send some money to help with the kids
And I'd like to thank you for all that you did, it's true
Well, I'm in Louisiana, I got Susannah too

I got me a letter, it arrived today
And the words I read really blew me away
I don't believe I've ever felt so low
How could old Susannah ever treat me so?

She said, "I meant to tell you, my sweet honey
I'm a long way from your love and money and you
Please don't think me underhand
I do believe you could understand me too
I got a bar and a grill with Bill in Kalamazoo"