Lyric discussion by Synesthesia56 

Young lovers are separated when the boy is called off to war, & she promises to wait for him. When he returns, he realizes he is a man who's been changed by his experiences in war, and that he may only bring sadness to her if they resume their relationship.

He wants her to know he still loves her, but there are insurmountable obstacles that prevent him from ever giving his love directly to her again; and she must not sacrifice her happiness to try to save him.

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