He was just standin there,
didn't know enough to hide.
I'm just like him, I'm thinkin;
just on the other side.

Saw him as clear as I see you.
That's how damn close I was!
I thought, what happens now
depends on what he does.

Damn, he's as young as me!
… can't be one day more,
and here we are, both stuck
in this stinkin hellish war!

Hey kraut, I just kept thinkin,
“There's still time to get away.
You could have a good long life
… unless you turn my way.”

He coulda been my friend
in a different place and time.
But now the awful truth is;
it's his life … or mine.

He was just gazin at the sunset,
drinkin all God's beauty in,
all lifted up and glowin
like a pretty church-book hymn.

Dear Jesus, what's he doin'
standin there like that so calm?
Can't he hear them big tanks movin
and the blasts of them big bombs?

You ain't on no vacation
in these green eye-talian hills.
You're an enemy German soldier
who I damn well swore to kill.

Man, can't you feel me here
just a stone throw to your right?
I'm lyin in this soft green grass
and I have you in my sites!

This filthy war'll soon be done
and I don't wanta kill no more.
So show your back and go
or I must add you to my score.

Do somethin and do it now.
Turn left and walk them feet away
cause I'll sure as hell shoot you
if you choose to look my way!

No! Stop! Turn left, not right
or you're gonna find me here!
Man, don't point that thing at me
… our lives are much too dear.

Note: This note is for those of you who are not old enough to remember World War Two, or don't know its history. Great armies fought each other throughout Europe, including Italy. There were huge numbers of casualties among U.S. troops and our allies during the successful campaign to defeat the Germans. Many of the most vicious battles took place in the green hills of Italy—where before and after the war people lived nice peaceful lives and where thousands of tourists still visit today.

This takes place when it was clear that Germany could not possibly win and the war would soon be over.