BALLAD OF PORTLAND, OREGON

Verse #1:

In 'Sixty-Seven, I was drafted to war.
We didn't even know what we were fighting for.
After I'd travelled far over the sea,
My own true love wrote "Dear John" to me.

Chorus:

Portland, Oregon is my kind of town.
I'm a man who knows.
I guess I've been around.

Verse #2:

Since that time, I haven't been back home.
I stayed in the Army and continued to roam.
But, time heals heartaches and now, mine's gone.
I'm headed back to Portland, Oregon.

Verse #3:

There's more pretty fish than just one in the sea.
There's got to be a girl who's meant for me.
In the North-western country where I belong,
I'll play my guitar and sing this song.

Verse #4:

In Willamette Valley, there's a happy sound.
The music of the city's calling me to town.
In the misty distance, you can see Mount Hood.
There's something about it makes me feel so good.

Verse #5:

The kids in the streets and the old folks, too
Make me think that my rambling's through.
There's life in this city and love's all around.
The "City of Roses" is my home town.

Words and Music: ©Copyright 1973 by John R. Mallernee

Author’s Note: Written while in the Army, stationed at Weon Ju, Korea