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If the Savior Stood Beside Me

About the Song

This song now has so many different versions available that this page reads like a novel, so I’ve divided it into sections: General Information; Message to Primary Children; and Versions. If you don’t want to read through all this, just skip to the section you’re looking for, or go straight to the download/lyrics area.

General Information

 

  • There are currently six verses for this song, and you can mix and match them–just be sure to always use the first and last.
  • Many of you have requested background on this song and/or a message to your Primary children. I’m posting this message here rather than send so many identical responses individually. Feel free to use all or part of it.

Message to Primary Children:

“If the Savior Stood Beside Me” is a song I wrote for my daughter Holly when she turned eight years old. Holly was such a good example! She was always so kind and loved others so much, it seemed as though she knew Jesus was always close beside her, taking care of her and loving her. 

Holly is now all grown up, and has a family of her own. This is what she says about her song:

On my eighth birthday, I was baptized. At my baptism, my mom sang the song “If the Savior Stood Beside Me,” which she wrote specially for me. I remember her saying “I wrote this song for Holly, not because it’s a lesson I wanted to teach her, but because she has always acted as if the Savior really was there beside her.” That meant a lot to me, and I was so proud of myself and my beautiful song!

It has been more than 20 years since that day, and though there have been times that I have not acted as I would if I could see the Savior next to me, I know that even when we make mistakes and choose to do the wrong thing, Jesus stays near us and watches over us anyway, waiting for us to reach out and hold His hand again. Because He loves us so dearly, we are always in His watchful care, even when we don’t know it, and someday we will all look back and realize how close He was, just when we needed Him.

I am trying every day to “be the kind of person that I know I’d like to be if I could see the Savior standing nigh, watching over me.”

My young friends, if you will live every day of your life as though you could see the Savior standing right beside you, you will be happy, and you will be ready to live with Him again some day. He loves you and will always–always!–watch over you.

Versions

Children’s Voices:
  • The original version is the one written for my daughter.  It appeared in the Friend magazine in October of 1993, but contained one very unfortunate typo (or grammar-o, as the case may be) in the second verse. “Would my words be true and kind if He were never far away?” is correct–the “was” that made its way into the original score was just carelessness and sloppy proofreading on my part, and it continues to haunt me as the Friend version continues to be used. (If you listen to the children’s choir rendition on the lds.org website, you’ll find that they were reading from that unfortunate score.) The score linked below is correct.
  • The simplified version was included in both the 2008 and 2013 Primary Children’s Sacrament Meeting Presentations. This version has been translated into several different languages, available in the program booklets. The program booklets are currently unavailable. I’ll update this if the translations show up again.
 
YW/Youth
  • Verse 3 was added in 2006 at the request of the General YW board.
  • The two SA arrangements are very similar. YW version 1 was performed in the 2007 General YW Broadcast, and was also included in the August 2007 New Era magazine. YW version 2 is nearly identical, but an obbligato is added so the piano accompaniment is modified to accommodate it. This version was performed in the General YW Broadcast a couple of years after the first one.
  • In addition, there is a very easy Unison or Two-part Treble arrangement of the original without the extra verse. Another easy SA, arranged by Jerry Jackman, is available through Jackman Music. (Note that the Jackman arrangement can’t be copied.)
  • For youth chorus, the Two-part Mixed Chorus contains the same accompaniment (though a key lower) and verses as the YW version.  There is also a Duet or Two-part Mixed Choir version which uses the original accompaniment and verses. Both are fairly easy.
 
Solo, Duet, and Choir
  • Both the Duet/Two-part Choir version and the Two-part Mixed Chorus version will work for Solo, Duet or Choir. (Actually, any of the versions may be used for solo voice).
  • Solo 1 has an optional flute obbligato.
  • Solo 2 has an optional cello obbligato
  • The Tabernacle Choir version (in the video below) was arranged by Sam Cardon. The sheet music is currently unavailable.
  • The MacDonald/Parker version uses organ accompaniment. No piano score is available.

(Please note: Because the Church site was updated, the myriad translations for this song are currently unavailable. **sigh** I’ll let you know if that changes.)

Sheet Music Downloads

PDF:

(Also included in the “My Heart Sings”elementary piano book.)


Personal Composer:

Transpose/resize .pc files using the Personal Composer Demo. (Help)

 

Spotify, Soundcloud (inc. free downloads)

Click the Soundcloud download icon to download the free track for personal use.

Recording w/cello featuring vocals by Allyse Smith Taylor (Solo 2):


Cello by Ramona McConkie

Accompaniment Track w/cello (Solo 2):


Cello by Ramona McConkie

 


 

Recording featuring vocals by Angie Jack (Simplified Version):

Accompaniment Track (Simplified version):

 


 

Recording featuring vocals by James Loynes (Solo 1):

Accompaniment track (Solo 1):

 


 

Recording featuring vocals by Heather Prusse (Original version):

YouTube

Solo 2 (linked above):

 

Solo 2 Accompaniment Track (linked above):

 

Sheet music for the Mormon Tabernacle choir version is unavailable:

 

Sheet music for the Tim Goodman version is unavailable:

 

In Romanian, by Izabela Geambasu:

 

Awwwww…..
 

(Video provided to YouTube by outside parties may contain ads that may be skipped after a few seconds.)

Lyrics

If the Savior stood beside me, would I do the things I do?
Would I think of His commandments and try harder to be true?
Would I follow His example?
Would I live more righteously,
If I could see the Savior standing nigh, watching over me?

If the Savior stood beside me, would I say the things I say?
Would my words be true and kind if He were never far away?
Would I try to share the gospel?
Would I speak more reverently
If I could see the Savior standing nigh, watching over me?

If the Savior stood beside me, would my thoughts be clean and pure?
Would His presence give me strength and hope, and courage to endure?
Would His counsel guide my actions?
Would I choose more worthily
If I could see the Savior standing nigh, watching over me?

If the Savior stood beside me, would I often kneel to pray?
Would I listen to the Spirit’s voice, and hasten to obey?
Would I count my many blessings?
Would I praise Him gratefully
If I could see the Savior standing nigh watching over me?

If the Savior stood beside me, would I comfort those in need?
Would I try to show the Savior’s love in every word and deed?
Would I give to those who hunger?
Would I serve more willingly
If I could see the Savior standing nigh, watching over me?

He is always near me, though I do not see Him there
And because He loves me dearly, I am in His watchful care
So I’ll be the kind of person that I know I’d like to be
If I could see the Savior standing nigh, watching over me.

If you have questions, please check the FAQ
If you don't find your answer there, feel free to post your question here. 🙂

96 Comments

  1. Janette

    Hello. Would it be at all possible to post a PDF of the “Duet or Two-part Choir” version of this piece in the key of G? I’m guessing you may use Finale to compose, which would only take me a split second to transpose if I had a .musx copy of the piece. I’ve tried all sorts of scanning and conversion tools using the PDF to drop the key, but everything completely screws up the composition. We’re just trying to lower the key, as our singers are having trouble with the key of C, unfortunately. Thanks so much.

    Reply
  2. Alexis H.

    I’ve sung this song (specifically the SATB organ arrangement by McDonald & Parker) multiple times at the LDS Institute in Salt Lake City and have always loved the song. When I became ward choir director, I knew I would have our choir sing this at some point. I had our youngest choir member at the time (a pre-teen girl) sing the first verse as the solo. So powerful.

    Reply
  3. Holly Chase

    I meant version 2!

    Reply
  4. Holly Chase

    Can the 2 part mixed choir 1 version (in C) of If the Savior Stood Beside Me be used with any of the obligato parts/

    Reply
  5. Gemma Moso

    Love the songs Im a choir conductor in our stake for decades

    Reply
  6. Kathy Wilks

    Such A Beautiful Song!

    This beautiful song came into my mind today. I’m so grateful that my daughter helped me to locate it.
    This Amazing Song Touches my heart so deeply and I can feel my Saviors Love.
    Thank you for Sharing your Gifts and Talents ❤️

    Reply
  7. Kathie Broderson

    Is it possible to get a recording of the piano solo 1 with opt. /flute, so I may practice with it with my flute before I practice with our pianist? I’m hoping to have my granddaughter sing, our daughter sign, and I will play the flute part, for an upcoming sacrament meeting.
    I used to be able to down load the piano acc. and put them on a CD a few years back. We had several very nice Christmas Social Programs and our choirs used them to for rehearsing. I was Ward Music chairman back then.
    Thank you for your wonderful music and the time you take to share your talents
    Kathie Broderson

    Reply
  8. Jeannine H Buckley

    Hi! thank you so much for all your beautiful music. We wanted to use the two C instrument with the choir for our Easter program but can’t find the choir music to coordinate with the flute part. Please advise.

    Reply
  9. Julene Maddocks

    I would like the exact copy from the Friend October 1993 in the 8 l/2 x 11 format.
    When I printed it off it comes off smaller.
    I will change the wrong word.
    Thanks for a beautiful song!!

    Reply
  10. Eric Cottrell

    I’m the Primary chorister in our Ward. I’m trying to find music for this song for a Ward Choir and Primary singing together. Is there a version made for Adults and Primary singing together? Meshing the Primary version with the Adult version. I can attempt to do it on my own I was just wondering if it’s been done.

    Reply
  11. Robyn Levesque

    I so love all of your songs. Every time I hear one, they speak to my heart. Thank you for giving the music in my heart a voice! You have been blessed with a dear gift. Thank you for sharing so freely. ❤️

    Reply
  12. Deborah

    We are performing a version of If The Savior Stood Beside Me that I cannot find anywhere online. It has a soprano version on the 2nd verse with ‘oohs’ and then harmony on the 2nd verse. It’s marked for a duet of two-part choir.

    Do you know where I can find a recording of this version?

    Reply
  13. Kathryn Jensen

    We’ve used this song during Single adult conferences, prison choirs, and now want to access it in the German language as we are preparing to serve a senior mission in Frankfurt. The CSMP page link does not work – is there another way to see if this has been translated into Deutsch? You are beyond generous with your wonderful music – thank you so much!

    Reply
  14. Leslie

    Love this song,so deeply it fills my Soul.. just Beautiful 💖

    Reply
  15. Svitlana

    Hello, Sally! I have a question. Is it possible to play piano, flute and cello altogether? The kid’s choir is going to sing this beautiful song, but wanted to know if we could have flute and cello playing together. I see that the flute and cello accompaniment have different majors, if I were to change and rewrite one accompaniment to match to the other, would they both sound good?

    Reply
  16. Brent Frost

    Sally,
    I live here in Colorado Springs and wanted the sheet music for the Sam Cardon arrangement the Tabernacle Choir sings, but I can’t find it anywhere. Do you know if it is available?

    Thanks.

    Reply
    • Sally DeFord

      Unfortunately, no, it’s not available. 🙁

      Reply
  17. Thomas Leon Wing

    I feel that your thoughts and the words you heard and wrote were spiritually inspired from Heaven. Thank you. I intend to keep them as a reference for me to live by as I recall them when I’m in need for them.

    Reply
  18. Anita McPherson

    I really love your work. I am not a song writer but I have written a song and I want to know what I need to do to get a copyright. I would like my song to be availabel for non commercial use.

    Reply
  19. Rebekah Jones

    Sally thank you for the beautiful music you have put you time in to do. For the video you linked up on the website I am wondering if there is a SA part with cello on this website. I looked for one but I did not see one so I wanted to double check the you!

    Thanks,
    Rebekah Jones

    Reply
  20. Pam Nate

    Sally Thank you so much for all the beautiful music you have offered. I am the choir director and would like the choir to sing If The Savior Stood Beside me. I can’t find any SATB arrangements. Is there one available? I did find one arrangement for all parts with an organ accompaniment, which I was hoping I could use with the piano instead. But is there anything written for SATB with piano accompaniment? I appreciate our help.

    Reply
  21. Lani Reynolds

    What a blessing this song has been to the world. Is there a piano solo version for the advanced in the wings?
    Lani Reynolds

    Reply
  22. William D Turinetti

    Thanks Sally, this song is as inspiring as it is true. I had heard my children sing it so often I thought it was in the children’s song book. I am glad I found it. Thanks again.

    Reply
  23. Joan Von Brughan

    Beautiful, sang by Temple Missionaries at the Gold Reef Ward, Johannesburg during 2008.

    Reply
  24. Becky Petersen

    Hi Sally.. I have always loved this song, but I especially LOVE the new verses, because I’m going to have SATB Adults sing it. Do you have the SATB with just the piano accompaniment? but also with the extra verses? I really think the extra verses are great for adults!

    Reply
  25. Miriam Teachworth

    Thank you writing a beautiful and inspiring song !! I think it was sung last week by the Tabernacle Choir at General Conference .

    Reply
  26. Kathi Sathre

    Your song has uplufted, encouraged, and saved me from making countless errors recently. I can’t thank yoy enough for being in tune with the Spirit as you composed it!!!

    Reply
  27. Kike Blades

    Hi Sally! I’m not sure if I’m looking in the right places but I want to purchase the sheet music version that is on the cd sung by Ally’s Taylor. Could you please direct me to where I can purchase that? I believe that the violin and piano is what is playing on her cd. I would like the violin version if you have it too? Thank you ❤️

    Reply
  28. Michele Steggell

    Could I get the melody part in the bass clef for the cello to play the melody for the verses

    Reply
  29. Penny Martin

    Is this available in easy piano mosaic?

    Reply
  30. Nadine Craig

    I am trying to find If the Savior Stood beside me in French. Is it available? Thank you so much

    Reply
    • Sally DeFord

      After quite a bit of fussing, I managed to find it here:

      https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/bc/content/shared/content/french/pdf/language-materials/08994_fra.pdf?lang=fra#page=2

      Reply
      • Sandy

        Hello there thank you for your beautiful work.
        Is the s available in Spanish? Or is it ok to translate and share?

        Thank you again

        Reply
  31. Luisa

    Hi Sally. I am from Sydney, Australia. I am wondering if we are able to sing this song (If the Saviour Stood Beside Me) and use the mp3 accompaniment for our next online church service on 19/7/20? We are streaming church services due to Covid-19

    Regards
    Luisa

    Reply
    • Ben Alder

      Sally, I just want to thank you for making this song. I song a woman singing your song on Facebook and I just want to thank for using this as of what need in this world today. I also notice that you added 2 or 3 more verses on this song. I never even heard the extra verse. Were they just barely new? I really love your words and I hope everyone in the world understands why we need Jesus in our lives and how he will come again in the second coming. Thanks again.

      P.s. is it ok if share your lyrics on Facebook? I think everyone needs this at this time.

      Reply
  32. MS.Ryna Chen

    Thank You So much Sally, God had chosen you.. Praise God for using you in His Music Ministry.

    Reply
  33. Linda Ridener Dickson

    This is such a remarkably beautiful piece. Will be great for our young cello player and the children’s choir. Thank you!

    Reply
  34. Kathy Holt

    What is the FAQ?

    Reply
  35. Kathy Holt

    I want to get some of your sheet music but I find your site difficult to maneuver. Please help. I am interested in If The Savior Stood Beside me.

    Reply
  36. Alisa Ashby

    Do you have an mp3 recording of the accompaniment for the Two part chorus (If the Savior Stood Beside Me)? My daughter and her friend are singing in the branch at the memory care center TOMORROW and the accompanist just fell through. Thank you. Love this arrangement.

    Reply
  37. Sophie Brown

    I love this song soooo much thank you for writing it!!!

    Reply
  38. Sister Pulido

    Do you have song in Tagalog for my mission zone conference

    Reply
  39. Susan Belnap

    Hi, do you have this song written for Viola? My daughter is asked to play it at church in her Viola. Or any suggestions? Thanks much!

    Reply
    • Alda

      Hi Susan, my daughter also plays the Viola and I’ve been looking for this song for her to play. Were you able to get it?
      Thanks a lot,
      Alda

      Reply
  40. Scott

    Sally,
    I see the MacDonald / Parker version with organ accompaniment and was just wondering if there were registration suggestions for a typical ward house organ. I viewed the video on the conference center organ but am struggling to translate that into a ward organ. Do you have any registration suggestions for this arrangement?

    Reply
  41. Christine Clayton

    Hi Sally. Christine from UK .
    I’m so excited as I’m a new piano player on the simplified hymn book and I can play your beautiful hymn. I wanted to know if you have any other music with that same upbeat tempo for early learners that I could practice playing. If I stood before my saviour is so beautiful to play and not too complicated for me. It inspires me to want to play even more.

    Thank you for creating music even early learners as myself can attempt.to play.

    Reply
  42. Hillary Sperry

    On the recording of solo 2 with Allyse Smith Taylor there are some beautiful bells that accompany the chello and piano. Is it possible to get sheet music for the bells?

    Reply
  43. Kent Bassett

    I have been asked to play for Stake Conference in 10 days. The visiting authority has just asked that “If the Savior Stood Before Me” be the rest hymn in the middle of the session. Do you have an organ score? Thank you.

    Reply
    • Robbi Tomsen

      I don’t have your answer but I wanted to share that last week was our stake conference and our general authority requested the same song. Out of all the many songs that we could sing he chose that one….hmm.😇

      Reply
  44. Amanda Pendley

    Would the 2 part chorus version work with the flute obbligato written for the solo version?

    Reply
  45. KC Sturgeo

    Is there a recording I can purchase or download that has all 6 verses included? Thank you very much! This is one of my favorite songs!

    Reply
  46. Laura Pettersson

    Are the voice parts no longer available? Thought when I printed one of the versions some time ago that I printed both the accompaniment part and the voice part. Not finding a link to the voice parts….

    Reply
  47. Melissa

    Hi, is it ok for me to add voices on the duet version to make it SATB for our ward choir? MacDonald/ Parker version is beautiful, but i really love the accompaniment for the duet version.

    Reply
    • sallydeford

      Per the FAQ, you are welcome to add voicings to match your group–just don’t distribute it. Have fun with it!

      Reply
  48. Stacilee

    I see that you’ve allowed others to make arrangements of this particular song. I believe I still need to get permission, right? I made an arrangement just for my accompaniment of our Primary. Is that okay with you?

    Reply
    • sallydeford

      Yes, you’re correct, and thank you so much for asking! 🙂 If the arrangement is just for your Primary and isn’t being distributed, it’s absolutely fine with me. Best of luck with it!

      Reply
  49. Maureen Trawick

    Hi Sally,
    Like so many others here I want to add my thanks to you for this beautiful song! Your talents have truly blessed the lives of so many! We have a very small primary and most of our children come from broken homes and have difficulties in their lives. One of our girls plays the violin beautifully and her mom says she has never wanted to play publicly until she came to our Ward. She accompanied us a few weeks ago in Sacrament meeting and it was just beautiful. We asked her if she would like to accompany us this year in the primary program with this beautiful song and she enthusiastically agreed. I don’t know enough about music to know if any of the versions will work with a violin. Could you give some guidance please? I told her I would try to find a version that she could use to practice with. Thank you for any help you could give.

    Reply
    • sallydeford

      Thank you so much! For your purpose, either of the children’s versions have an obbligato for flute that could be played on violin. Depending on the player’s skill level, you might need to transpose the obbligato down an octave. If that doesn’t work for you, perhaps you could give your violinist a verse to play solo somewhere during the song? Good luck!

      Reply
  50. Steven Harlow

    Sally, What a beautiful piece !
    I’m sure I must have heard this before but just this last weekend had the opportunity to see the sheet music for the 2 part choir. We have a talented music chair who has planned singing this at our Stake Conference coming up in the next few weeks. So simple and easy to learn, and beautifully sounding at the same time (even with only 6 male voices!).
    Thank you for blessing the lives of others by sharing your musical talent.

    Reply
  51. Boyd Jensen

    Sally, my wife and I are very impressed. We have two daughters living in COS with children who play instruments and we are going to try to find a way to say thank you to you. My wife here in Riverside CA is going to use your music for the ward choir, but surely for other events as well. Allow us to join this long list of people saying “Thanks!”

    Reply
  52. Rebecca Woodsworth

    We are teaching this beautiful song in primary again this year. My Stake Primary Presidency challenged us to teach all six verses to the children. Do you have a recording of all 6 verses sung together that I can play for my primary?

    Reply
    • sallydeford

      Rebecca, the only recordings I have are the ones listed here on the song page. I don’t have a recording with all 6 verses… that would make it a bit long, especially for kids! The extra verses were written to address various subjects, and I really didn’t expect them to be used all at once. 🙂

      Reply
    • Mary Ann Lento

      Perhaps you could have the older children come forward and sing in groups for a couple of the verses.

      Reply
  53. Larry Beck

    Listened to 164 missionaries sing this song last week in Zone conference. What a powerful message for the Elders and Sisters! One question, why did you choose to use “nigh” instead of “near” at the end of each chorus?

    Reply
    • sallydeford

      Internal rhyme, and it just sings nicely. 🙂 I suppose I could have said “in close proximity…” but it was too many syllables. 😉

      Reply
      • Larry Beck

        And the Tabernacle Choir sang this today! Verse 5 says it all for me. I’ve conducted a lot of your music over the years and I want to thank you for sharing your gifts and talents.

        Reply
  54. carl glaettli

    Hi Sister DeFord, Thank you for bringing music to our home. Even on our missions to South America the members chose many of your songs to brighten their lives. Sincerely, Carl Glaettli Nampa Idaho

    Reply
  55. Jonelle Morris

    I love this song! It has such a special spirt. Thanks for sharing all the different versions.

    Reply
  56. Sergio

    Congratulations. It´s a very beautiful song!

    Reply
  57. Darrel R. Thompson

    The ward choir sang this Sunday in Sacrament Mtg. where I was to speak. What stood out was the title, and the beautiful harmonious male voices that usually struggle in ward choirs. So 2 days later I am remembering and was so glad to find this site, to be able to read the words. Priceless gift to all, thank you Sally Deford. I composed a dozen or so songs when serving as Ward Mission Leader, but haven’t the skills to share them. So am in awe of those who can do so. “The Lord hath put a new song (many) in my mouth” as my soul sings praises to Him and for the restored gospel.

    Reply
  58. Jennifer

    Is there a way to get either an MP3 or sheet music download of the accompaniment version that was sung by David Archuleta at his Face to Face? Thanks so much… such a beautiful, tender song!!

    Reply
  59. Karla H

    Im singing in Church for the first time in a long time, agter overcoming serious problems with my vocal chords and nearly losing my voice entirely. I produce sound differently now, but I think I like it better – more reliable, if one can imagine. Relying both spiritually and vocally on music the MTC has recorded over through the decades – and most especially recemtly – I can sing eith them and other fine artists while readying mysellf for the day. That’s what brought about my greater love for “I’m Trying to Be Like Jesus”. Am internet search brought me to your arrangement for a men’s duet, written in treble clef with the added harmonies by James Lyones. It has allowed me several options in making variations of melody on the different verses while still maintaining the integrity of the song amd message. Thank you for making your music so available to everyone. It’s a joy to use – to sing.

    Reply
  60. Serenity2001

    I love this song! I received a special song book for Christmas a few years ago with this song and others and I cant find it!!!! I was so glad to find this through my mom!

    Reply
  61. Kami

    Just wanted to say thank you to Sally DeFord for sharing so much music, including this touching song. I’m so impressed by all the different versions. Something for everyone! Can’t wait to teach my group the little harmony part for the primary program!

    Reply
  62. Raven

    I grew up singing this song. And to this day it touches my heart. But recently I’ve started having anxiety attacks and I was afraid a lot….so I wrote an extra verse I could sing when I was afraid.

    “If the Savior stood beside me, would I fear the things I fear? Would I always be so worried, if the Savior were standing near?

    Or would my heart take courage? Oh how brave would I be, if I could see the savior standing nigh, watching over me.”

    Ever since I started singing that my anxiety levels have improved so much, they don’t completely go away, but I am able to let them pass so much easier and have faith in Heavenly Father.

    Thank you so much for this song, it’s been such a blessing in my life.

    Reply
    • Janet

      this is exactly what I needed today, thank you

      Reply
  63. Gina

    I praise the the Lord for such a wonderful song. Thank you, Sally for sharing your music to everyone. I certainly am grateful for your generosity. God bless you more.

    Reply
  64. Julie Cawley Hanson

    Sis. Deford, I’ve loved this song for years! But tonight I went looking for a duet about the Savior that I could sing for an interfaith program. I wanted something simply beautiful that could bare testimony of the Savior. My voice is not what it used to be after 30 years of singing in Mormon Youth Chorus and the Tabernacle Choir! I’m singing with another member of Tab Choir who is coming to Kansas, where I now live, to sing with me. This duet arrangement is absolutely exquisite and perfect for the occasion! I didn’t think the original solo could get any better, but you have outdone yourself. I cannot thank you enough for your contribution to music in the church and the world. You are an absolute treasure!!

    Reply
  65. Mary

    Praise God for your talent and your music. I am really inspired and blessed. Thank you so much for your generosity. May the Lord continue to bless you as you bless others.

    Reply
  66. Alva Maynor

    The Guitar chords I have found on the internet for this song put the capo on the third fret then play chords for key of G which places it in key of Bb, whereas the sheet music is written in the key of C. I am going change the chords so you play in the key of C with no capo. I did this once on my on, but I can’t find the arrangement I did any more. Love the song .

    Reply
  67. Cynitra Anderson

    I love this song and the melody is so beautiful…we are singing this song in our Stake Conference.

    Reply
  68. Gabriela

    I just heard this song for the first time and fell in love with it! Thank you for those inspired words…I believe that there is a version in spanish, but still, because there is so many meaning that get lost at translation I m for sure will translate my own version and will use it in a speech or class very soon.

    Reply
  69. Erin

    I absolutely love this song mainly because of how I can relate to it, especially with all the blessings I received for making a right decision out of love and respect for the Savior himself.

    Reply
  70. Vincent F. Pelago

    Hi Sis. Sally,

    Thank you for this wonderful music. It really inspires me and reminds that the Savior is always watching us and know each of us very well. I really love the song and made me a stronger person everytime I hear the song or sing it myself.

    Vincent

    Reply
  71. Ted Johnson

    Hard to ascertain that Sally DeFord is the composer; this needs to be more prominently listed. Heard this song last Sunday on Broadcast 4434, which is not archived yet on the MSW website. Beautiful words and music!

    Reply
  72. Tia

    Thank you for the beautiful music over the years. Last Friday we took our missionaries, who were finishing their missions that day, to a school for the blind. Part of the service project was to teach 4 primary songs. “If the Savior Stood Beside Me” was one of the songs which they taught. The children, teenagers, teachers loved it. It bought a wonderful feeling to our program. Thank you again for sharing your incredible talent.

    Reply
  73. Lynda Tracy

    I am a chaplaincy volunteer for a women’s prison, where I direct a choir. These SA arrangements will be very helpful as I don’t have any budget for purchasing music! Thank you!

    Reply
  74. Marina

    Dear Sally, i’m from Brazil and i’ve been so blessed with your songs and hymns arrangments! I’m so grateful that such a great musician as you give freely your talent for the blessing of others…I just wanted you to know that. I am such a fan of your work. I wondered if anyone offered to translate to portuguese your songs….cause the lyrics have touched my soul in so many ways that I would really want that all my friends, family and brethren of the church that doesn’t understand english could know what your songs are talking about. Well, keep on doing this wonderful work with music that you always do! You inspire me!
    Best regards,

    Marina

    Reply
  75. Steph

    Dear Sally,

    I have loved playing this for the children this year for our Presentation. Now that the Presentation is over (we’re going to keep singing it) I would love to be able to incorporate this into my selection of Stake Conference ‘prelude music’/piano solos. Do you have a piano solo version please? Thank you.

    Reply
  76. Fred

    LOVE LOVE LOVE this song!! Please produce simplified guitar chords for this song. I would love to play this.

    Reply
  77. Karan Taylor

    Thank you so much for writing such a beautiful song. It is truly one of my favorites. When my grandson passed away, my daughter had inscribed on his headstone “Because he loves me dearly, I am in his watchful care”. Thank you for always being inspired to write such beautiful music, and being so willing to share it.

    Reply
  78. Heather

    Thank you so much for making this music available for free. I was looking for the flute obbligato and was fully expecting to have to pay for it. The flute part with help make our primary program so special!

    Reply
  79. Linda Silver

    Like many others I was so touched by this song when I heard my little grandchildren sing it with the rest of the primary in their program. We are speaking in our sacrament meeting prior to our serving a mission. Our daughters are going to sing this as the musical number. I cannot express how thankful I am to you for making it available and so easy to find on the inter net. I did a search thinking I would probably not find it especially as a duet for women. I was soooo HAPPY to find it. Thanks you!

    Reply
  80. Jean Faison

    Sally, this song is such an inspiration to me. The first time I heard it was in Sacrament meeting. As the Primary children sang, I was brought to tears. Their voices were so sweet and pure, and I felt the spirit so strong as they sang. Thank you for your generous gift to the Church. Your songs help us feel the spirit, and spread the gospel.

    Reply
  81. Carl Watkins

    Sally, I produce “Sounds of Sunday” for 17 radio stations. Today I am producing a new show with the version of “If the Savior Stood Before Me” by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Could you give me a little information about yourself? I like interesting little facts to spice up the show. How did you come to write this song?

    Reply
    • Sally DeFord

      Hi Carl,

      I’m short on time this afternoon, until around 9:30 tonight. There is some information on the song on this page, https://www.defordmusic.com/sheet-music/alphabetical-list/if-the-savior-stood-beside-me/ to start with, and I’ll e-mail you a bit more later tonight.

      Reply

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