These Three Words

When was the last time That they heard you say Mother or father, I love you And when was the last time That they heard you say Daughter or son, I love you Ones you say you cherish everyday Can instantly be taken away Then you'd say I know this can't be true When you never took the time To simply tell them "I love you" When was the last time That they heard you say Sister or brother, I love you And when was the last time That they heard you say Darling or best friend, I love you The one for whom you'd give your very life Could be taken in the twinkling of an eye Through your tears you'd ask why did you go Knowing you'd didn't always show Just how much you loved them so These three words Sweet and simple These three words Short and kind These three words Always kindles An aching heart to smile inside I know a family Who hasn't a cent to their name And yet the joy and love they have between them They always claim And when one's called from life The survived mourn the lost And will never be the same Yet they rejoice In knowing they gave them their all These three words Sweet and simple These three words Short and kind These three words Always kindles --- These Three Words - Stevie Wonder