The Missionary

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