When They Were Friends

This song is inspired by the Book of Mormon record of Sariah, a mother of several sons who become enemies and eventually establish two warring nations.

But it is a universal lament of heartbreak - and hope - of every mother whose children turn away from their family and from God.

Sheet Music & Recordings

To order sheet music, recordings and/or group bundles, please select from the products listed below. If you are teaching this song to a choir or group of children, you’ll want to order the Group Bundle. Please protect our copyright by only making the number of copies you have paid for.

When They Were Friends (Group Bundle)

When They Were Friends (Piano - vocal solo) - 2 copies

When They Were Friends (original recording)

When They Were Friends (accompaniment track)

Lyrics

They used to play their games

Before the sun went down.

The sound of little feet and laughter ringing through

A house united then by faith

Is divided now by hate,

And my heart is broken, too.

How can a mother watch her family be so torn?

Could anything on earth begin to hurt her more?

I kneel and pray each night for all the strife to end

And long for simpler times

When they were friends.

The simple life we led

Would disappear so fast

The love and light would fade just like the setting sun.

And in the dark, they cannot see

The trail of pain and tragedy

They will leave the generations yet to come.

And all the tears I cry, my pleading words in vain -

Could this be how our Father feels when we just turn away?

I kneel and pray each night for all the strife to end

And long for simpler times

When they were friends.

Oh God, you've watched your children leave your side.

Please help me through this long and bitter night.

The days have come and gone

And I am holding on

To every promise God has given through the years.

That there will come a blessed day

With no more sorrow, no more pain

And He will wipe away our tears.

I can't forget that they are His and not just mine.

And His Son paid the price to bring them home, in time.

I kneel and pray each night that love will finally win

And some day I'll see my sons be friends again.