Well I guess I was born with a gun in my hand We'd walk the big clearcuts in the pine timberland Well the army man told me that I could defend the free Aw and draw me a paycheck, get a tech school degree I said hey now sergeant, that sure does sound fine Well the sawmill ain't hiring, tell me where do I sign Won't you light a lantern for me I'll be gone but not for long Won't you keep a candle burnin' Won't you leave a porch light on Well my hands are still steady and they still hold a gun And this suit of a soldier for your southestern son Well tell mom not to worry if she's taking it hard Never thought I'd see action back when I joined the guard Well all this will be over more later than soon As I wote in a letter beneath the big afghan moon Won't you light a lantern for me I'll be gone but not for long Won't you keep a candle burnin' Won't you leave a porch light on