You were only a kid, little sister,
    When I started over the sea,
But you’ve grown quite a lot since I came here
    And you’ve written a letter to me.
And nobody knows that you wrote it –
    It’s a secret – and we’ll keep it well,
Your brother and you and the ocean,
    And nobody is going to tell.

You were only a tot when I left you.
    I remember I bade you good bye
And kissed you, a little bit flustered,
    And you promised you never would cry.
But I know that you cried, little sister,
    As soon as I’d gone out the door.
And did I cry myself? I’m a soldier
    So don’t ask me anything more.

I think of you often, kid sister.
    You’re the only kid sister I’ve got.
I know you’ll be good to your mother
    And I know that you’ll help her a lot.
And whenever she seems to be gloomy,
    You’ve got to cheer her somehow.
You were only a kid to your brother
    But you’re more than the world to him now.