[Originally by Michael W. Smith]

Packing up the dreams God's planted
in the fertile soil of you
Can't believe the hopes He's granted
means a chapter in our lives is through
But we'll keep you close as always
It won't even seem you've gone
Cause our hearts in big and small ways
will keep the love that keeps us strong

And friends are friends forever if the Lord's the Lord of them
And a friend will not say never cause the welcome will not end
Though it's hard to let you go, in the Father's hands we know
That a lifetime's not too long
to live as friends

And with the faith and love God's given
Springing from the hope we know
We will pray the joy you'll live in
is the strength that now you will show
But we'll keep you close as always
It won't even seem you've gone
Cause our hearts in big and small ways
will keep the love that keeps us strong

And friends are friends forever if the Lord's the Lord of them
And a friend will not say never cause the welcome will not end
Though it's hard to let you go, in the Father's hands we know
That a lifetime's not too long
to live as friends

And friends are friends forever if the Lord's the Lord of them
And a friend will not say never cause the welcome will not end
Though it's hard to let you go, in the Father's hands we know
That a lifetime's not too long