Did You See My Daddy Over There

A little boy tugged gently
At a soldier’s khaki sleeve.
He says, «Forgive me, mister;
But you’ve been across I believe.
I see the purple heart you wear
That tells what you’ve been through.
Perhaps you know my daddy, sir;
'Cause he’s a soldier, too.
Did you see my daddy, mister soldier,
When you were fighting over there?
I thought perhaps by chance
You met him there in France,
Or somewhere over there
Across the sea.
It’s been so long since daddy went away.
My mommy longs for him both night and day.
I know 'twould make her glad
If you had seen my dad.
Did you see my daddy over there?
The soldier’s eyes grew misty
As he watched the boy’s face,
For it recalled a memory
That time can not erase;
A buddy lost in action,
The best pal he ever had.
Till death he carried o’er his heart
A picture of this lad.
Did you see my daddy, mister soldier,
When you were fighting over there?
I thought perhaps by chance
You met him there in France,
Or somewhere over there across the sea.
It’s been so long since daddy went away.
My mommy longs for him both night and day.
I know 'twould make her glad
If you had seen my dad.
Did you see my daddy over there?