1 Far away my steps had wander'd,
Long in paths of sin I stray'd,
Till my way-ward heart deceiv'd me,
And the world my trust betray'd;
Then I cried there's none can help me,
None whose love can soothe my woe,
When I heard a voice that whisper'd,
"Child, I loved thee long ago."

Chorus:
Long ago, long ago,
Child, I loved thee long ago,
O how sweet the voice that whispered,
Child, I loved thee long ago.

2 Thro' His mercy He receiv'd me,
All my sins He wash'd away,
At His feet I knelt and prais'd Him,
For the joy I found that day.
Now amid the verdant pastures,
Where the tranquil waters flow,
Still I hear His voice repeating,
"Child, I loved thee long ago." [Chorus]

3 Come to Him, O heavy laden,
Only trust, and He'll forgive;
To the cross where once He suffer'd,
Lo! He bids thee look and live.
If by faith and true repentance,
Thou wilt ask His love to know,
Surely, thou wilt hear Him answer,
"Child, I loved thee long ago." [Chorus]