Lyrics Jimmy Buffett – The Missionary

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 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 learn to change
Our sword blades into plows
I told them how they should learn from us
What should I tell them now

‘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

‘Cause I didn’t know we were at war
I’ve been away so long