A thousand miles dear a thousand more across the water across the shore I'll say a prayer dear for your and mine please think of me dear each night at nine I hold your picture close to my heart it takes your place dear while we're apart Helps remind me that you're still mine to feel your nearness each night at nine [ guitar + steel ] The bugle's playing out goes the light gee but it's lonely these army nights Please tell kiddies I'm doing fine give them my love dear each night at nine