A word or two to mary

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 are looking at me
He said I'll tell you what I wanted to say

Oh I don't mind dying I just hate to leave you alone
And I wish that I could watch the children grow
But there's no use denying 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

A word or two to mary I must add some of my own
He was the truest friend I ever had
I'll keep writing letters to her and help the children along
Tell them in a way that it's from their dad

He didn't mind dying he just hated to leave you alone
And he wished that he could see his children grow
I'll be standing by them 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