[Verse 1]
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 every day
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"

[Verse 2]
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 didn't always show
Just how much you loved them so
[Chorus]
These three words
Sweet and simple
These three words
Short and kind
These three words
Always kindles
An aching heart to smile inside

[Bridge]
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

[Chorus]
These three words
Sweet and simple
These three words
Short and kind
These three words, these three words
Always kindles
An aching heart to smile inside
These three words
Sweet and simple, oh sweet simple
These three words
These three words, these three words, these three words
Short and kind
Short and kind
These three words
Always kindles
An aching heart to smile inside
These three words
These three words