I'm far away from my homeland out across the sea
A place they call Vietnam in a quite poor liberty
My only hope that I may return is strenght in God in prayer
It's the one and only precious thing that'll bring me safe back there

I had to leave my darling who soon a child would bring
But all she has to help her now
Are old mem'ries and old picture and a ring

Memories of our love so fine will ease the pain somehow
Of all our hopes and little dreams and all those little vows
For better or for worse we said those words so right so true
We'll stick together till the end we can do it me and you

The picture that I have of you old sweet thoughts it does bring
Although it's soiled and wrinkled now
I still have old mem'ries and old picture and a ring

The golden ring is on my hand it has been since that day
I wear it dear with faith and pride and that I'm proud to say
For you're the only one I love and our baby and he's there
I long to see his big blue eyes and his mommie's waving hair

Tell him daddy's gone away when he does return he'll bring
Something nice and sweet for him
Beside old mem'ries and old picture and a ring