[Verse 1]
I didn't know we were at war
I've been away so long
Trying to help once-lost men
Distinguish right from wrong

[Verse 2]
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

[Verse 3]
I taught my friends how we had gained
Respect for every man
And freedom flowed like jungle streams
While peace embraced the land

[Verse 4]
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?

[Verse 1]
'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
[Verse 5]
The jungle silence shut them off
From civilized mankind
Their nakedness was no disgrace
No censors could I find

[Verse 6]
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

[Verse 7]
'Cause I didn't know we were at war
I've been away too long
I told them they should learn from us
I think I told them wrong