Rick, I'm looking for the complete lyrics of this song myself. However, I have made a far from perfect transcription last year from the singing on a not very noteworthy CD "50 Complete Irish Rebel Songs".

I personally have considerable difficulties with the sentiment expressed in these lyrics and I dare to predict that this particular song will not make it to the hall of fame of the truly great Irish rebel songs. Nevertheless, here it is, better than nothing but in urgent need of corrections.

SNIPER'S PROMISE

Oh Mamma, oh mamma, comfort me,
I know these awful things have got to be,
But when the war for freedom has been won
I promise you, I'll put away my gun.

1. The night was icy cold, I stood alone
Waiting for an Army foot patrol.
When at last they came within my sight
I squeezed the trigger of my armalite.

2. (Jut/shot rang out??) I heard a soldier cry:
"Please, don't leave me here (alone?) to die."
I realised his patrol had gone away
And left the wounded comrade for me to slay.

3. "There's nothing in this world I would not give,
If, mercy in your heart, you'd let me live."
And in his eyes I saw a burning flame
As my gun it slowly fell towards his brain.

4. Dawn was breaking as I reached my base,
Can't forget the look on that boy's face
(Bear agony, torment. They all were there, ?)
But to your memory, mamma, his life I spare(d?).

Wolfgang ^^