Sweet little Beth
who thought nothing of time,
kissed the young man who stood
outside her door every night.
He had said he'd never leave her
nor sail on their wedding day.
For the wife of a soldier
who fought in the war,
"every man for himself" or for her.
Empty words on the streets
from the ships that return
he'd be back for the sweetheart he loves
Letters in frames
told the evergreen tale
of the young hero's life
and his bride left behind.
With a child she swore to bring up,
Beth agreed to another hand.
For the wife of a soldier
who fought in the war,
"every man for himself" or for her.
Empty words on the streets
from the ships that return
he'd be back for the sweetheart he loves
he'd be back for the sweetheart he loves
Scarred season arms
pulled her young son aboard,
who'd forgotten to read
the duty he signed up for.
Hear the cry of dear old Beth
who now grieves by the empty shore.
For the wife of a soldier
who fought in the war,
"every man for himself" or for her.
Empty words on the streets
from the ships that return
he'd be back for the sweetheart he loves
For the wife of a soldier
who fought in the war,
"every man for himself" or for her.
Empty words on the streets
from the ships that return
he'd be back for the sweetheart he loves
he'd be back for the sweetheart he loves
he'd be back for the sweetheart he loves