When I watch her sitting stately there
Snuggled in her tilt back chair
I feel the urge to reach out and touch her hair and say
How much I love you - how very much I love you
When I feel her standing very near
And hear her breath so very clear
I want to hug her, for I fear her loss, I say
How much I love you - how very much I love you
When the daunting years have passed us by
Remember our youth and how very shy
Her every hurt would make me cry for her
When we pass through time, we grow together
Like linen and lace and English leather
I often ask myself that whether I'll live long enough to say
How much I love you - how very much I love you
I love you - how very much I love you
When I witness how our aging frienship
Has grown into a lasting kinship
I'm so thankful for our lifelongship, that allows my heart to speak
How much I love you - how very much I love you
When I think about the hardship years
The gloomy days and midnight tears
Your strength of purpose above your peers
I'm so very proud to say
How much I love you - how very much I love you
When we share our joys and laughter
As we walk the morning after
And discuss our life hereafter
I have thoughts I long to say
Like I love you
While our time on earth appears to shorten
I still remember our first courtin'
On the lakeside in midsummer the night
I dared to whisper in your ear
I love you - how very much I love you
When I place my arms around your shoulder
Knowing that we are getting older
Hugging you seems so much bolder
And easier for me to say
I love you - how very much I love you
When the daunting years have passed us by
Remember our youth and how very shy
Her every hurt would make me cry for her
When we pass through time, we grow together
Like linen and lace and English leather
I often ask myself that whether I'll live long enough to say
How much I love you - how very much I love you
I love you - how very much I love you
Please walk with me along the road
There is no time for getting old
This is the time for me to say again
How much I love you - how very much I love you
My friend.
Words by David "Uncle Duke" Keaggy, Music by Phil Keaggy