WHILE YOU'RE AWAY "PACK UP YOUR CARES IN A BUNDLE OF JOY"
(L. Wolfe Gilbert / Anatole Friedland,   1918)


His furlough time was over, he was told to say goodbye 
And though his heart was staunch and true 
A tear drop dimmed his eye 
His little mother by his side she smiled to hide her pain, 
And whispered softly let's be brave, 
Your tear drop is in vain.

As brave as any soldier is the mother of her son 
Her golden soul has done it's share 
In every vict'ry won 
In years gone by and those to be, the soldier can recall, 
The message from his mother dear,
He treasures more than all.

While you're away 
While you're away I'll keep the lovelight bright, 
So at night it will light, your way, dear, 
Just think of me wheree'er you'll be 
I'll do my share, and bear, for someday 
While you're away 
You'll write and say 
Our work is done and I am sailing homeward today 
Pack up your cares in a bundle of joy 
I'll wait for you till it's over my boy 
May God bless you while you're away.