WHILE I'M AWAY
(Words and Music © 2003 – G. Smith / H. Ford)
Herb Ford


We gathered together,
My bags packed to go.
We knew I'd be leaving,
In an hour or so.

I hugged my young son,
Looked him square in the eye,
And whispered these words,
As he started to cry:

Chorus 1:
While I'm away, - Try to be brave;
Do all your chores, - I know you'll behave.
I don't want to go, but this has to be done,
So do all you can – to help your mama, now son.
That's all there is, - There's no more to say,
Except that I'll love you, - While I'm away.

My wife stood beside me,
Holding back tears,
But her smile couldn't hide,
Her pride and her fears.

I held her tightly,
Not wanting to leave,
And I said, as her hand
Traced the stripes on my sleeve:

Chorus 2:
While I'm away, - I know you'll be strong;
No matter the distance, - No matter how long.
I don't want to go, but this has to be done,
I want some other way, but there just isn't one.
That's all there is, - There's no more to say,
Except that I'll love you, - While I'm away.

Instrumental Break

The call came down,
For us to form up;
With just enough time,
For kiss and a hug.

She passed me a note
I read later that day,
And when I close my eyes
I can just hear her say:

Chorus 3:
While you're away, - Do all you can,
To try not to worry – We're all in God's hand;
I don't want you going, but this has to be done,
I want some other way, but there just isn't one.
That's all there is, - There's no more to say,
Except that I'll love you, - While you're away.