Forgive me John but I don't love your brother I realize now that you're the only one
Write and tell me dear that you'll still have me if I am blue the awful wrong I've done

I've tried to answer your letter the best that I know how
The way I feel about you honey really doesn't matter now
As you know the boys will be coming home soon
To be with their wives and their mas and pas I'd like to come home
I'd like to see you as a wife but not as a sister in law
Forgive me John...

You're asking me to do somethin' I can't do
It's hard to explain but can't you see my brother loves you
I reckon as much as I do and he married you
And I could never do him what he done me
But I wish you happiness forever may you make him a true and lovin' wife
There's nothing for me to come home for now
So I'll read your list and live my lonely soldier's life