Jimmy Buffett - The Missionary lyrics

By: Jimmy Buffett

1970

I didn't know we were at war

I've been away so long

Trying to help once lost men

Distinguish right from wrong

I didn't know we'd killed the men

Our leaders proud and strong

The situation's changed my friend

I've been away too long

I taught my friends

How we had gained respect for every man

And freedom flowed like jungle streams

While peace embraced the land

I told them how we'd learned to change

Our sword blades into plows

I told them they should learn from us

What should I tell them now

Chorus:

'Cause I didn't know we were at war

I've been away so long

Trying to help once lost men

Distinguish right from wrong

The jungle silence shut them off

From civilized mankind

Their nakedness was no disgrace

No censors could I find

The population lived in peace

All brothers on their own

And now that I have seen the mess

I don't think I'll go home

Chorus:

'Cause I didn't know we were at war

I've been away so long

I told them they should learn from us

I think I told them wrong