Former American Idol and returned Mormon missionary David Archuleta visited the BYU Hawaii campus in November 2014 to speak and sing as part of the Great Ideas Conference. During the meeting, David performed a touching rendition of the beloved LDS song “If the Savior Stood Beside Me,” which he sang in both English and Spanish. Of course, it was captured on video, and appears to have been shared thousands of times on social media sites. But, today was the first time I’d come across the video. I think it’s lovely. So, in case you haven’t had the chance to hear it yet, or you’d just like to enjoy it again, the video is included below along with some extra details I’ve added about the song and the full lyrics. post.
David Archuleta and my oldest daughter share the same birthday. So, it’s been enjoyable for me to watch him “grow up” and it’s nice to see the new maturity he has gained from serving a full-time mission. He has always been, and remains, a very humble young man – despite being thrown into so much fame and fortune at a young age. That’s something extremely rare, and perhaps his most endearing quality to his fans. It was fun for me to get to sing with him during the epic 2010 Mormon Tabernacle Choir Christmas concert.
I wish David all the best as he continues to stand for goodness, and use his talents to share his testimony of Christ with the world. – MoSop
Sally DeFord, Composer
“If the Savior Stood Beside Me” is a song I wrote for my daughter Holly when she turned eight years old. I wrote a song for each of my children, and this one was hers. Holly was such a good example! She was always so kind and loved others so much, it seemed as though she knew Jesus was always close beside her, taking care of her and loving her. . . My young friends, if you will live every day of your life as though you could see the Savior standing right beside you, you will be happy, and you will be ready to live with Him again some day. He loves you and will always–always!–watch over you.”
– Sally DeFord, composer
If The Savior Stood Beside Me – Full Lyrics
Music & Lyrics written by Sally DeFord
If the Savior stood beside me, would I do the things I do?
Would I think of His commandments and try harder to be true?
Would I follow His example? Would I live more righteously,
If I could see the Savior standing nigh, watching over me?
If the Savior stood beside me, would I say the things I say?
Would my words be true and kind if He were never far away?
Would I try to share the gospel? Would I speak more reverently
If I could see the Savior standing nigh, watching over me?
If the Savior stood beside me,
would my thoughts be clean and pure?
Would His presence give me strength and hope,
and courage to endure?
Would His counsel guide my actions?
Would I choose more worthily
If I could see the Savior standing nigh, watching over me?
If the Savior stood beside me, would I often kneel to pray?
Would I listen to the Spirit’s voice, and hasten to obey?
Would I count my many blessings? Would I praise Him gratefully
If I could see the Savior standing nigh watching over me?
If the Savior stood beside me, would I comfort those in need?
Would I try to show the Savior’s love in every word and deed?
Would I give to those who hunger? Would I serve more willingly
If I could see the Savior standing nigh, watching over me?
He is always near me, though I do not see Him there
And because He loves me dearly, I am in His watchful care
So I’ll be the kind of person that I know I’d like to be
If I could see the Savior standing nigh, watching over me.
Special Note From the Composer:
There are currently six verses for this song, and you can mix and match them–just be sure to always use the first and last.
Awesome! My husband says that, had he lived, my Junior would have been much like David Archuleta. And I think he’s right. Maybe that’s why I like him so much. (aside from his obvious musicality!)
Well, I’m sure you knew that I would comment on this blog (lol). He’s the reason I found your blog to start with. I love his voice, but even more than that, I love his pure heart. You’ll never see anything printed in the news that even hints of scandal where he is concerned. I’m sure that much of that is due to the fact that he was raised in the church and taught great moral values. He’s such a good role model for young people today. When he put his career on hold to go on a mission, many people wrote him off or said he was crazy. I understood, even though I’m not a member of the LDS Church. He was following his heart and being obedient to the Lord. I’m sure God will bless him in so many ways, not just with fame and fortune. He’s working on an album to be released this year. This time, he’s doing things his way. He’s not under contract to a label and wants to record music that is meaningful. He’s writing with others, some LDS writers like Stephanie Mabey who wrote Glorious from Meet the Mormons, so I can hardly wait to hear the results.
I just found this. I love David Archuleta. His heart is so tender and he is so gentle in how he expresses his love for the Savior and family. When I am struggling with pain or faith, I just listen to this sweet servant of God sing and healing comes. Thank you David for your faith, exampl, and love.
Latter-day Soprano 
Awesome! My husband says that, had he lived, my Junior would have been much like David Archuleta. And I think he’s right. Maybe that’s why I like him so much. (aside from his obvious musicality!)
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Well, I’m sure you knew that I would comment on this blog (lol). He’s the reason I found your blog to start with. I love his voice, but even more than that, I love his pure heart. You’ll never see anything printed in the news that even hints of scandal where he is concerned. I’m sure that much of that is due to the fact that he was raised in the church and taught great moral values. He’s such a good role model for young people today. When he put his career on hold to go on a mission, many people wrote him off or said he was crazy. I understood, even though I’m not a member of the LDS Church. He was following his heart and being obedient to the Lord. I’m sure God will bless him in so many ways, not just with fame and fortune. He’s working on an album to be released this year. This time, he’s doing things his way. He’s not under contract to a label and wants to record music that is meaningful. He’s writing with others, some LDS writers like Stephanie Mabey who wrote Glorious from Meet the Mormons, so I can hardly wait to hear the results.
Thank you for this blog. Love you Holly, Lynne
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I just found this. I love David Archuleta. His heart is so tender and he is so gentle in how he expresses his love for the Savior and family. When I am struggling with pain or faith, I just listen to this sweet servant of God sing and healing comes. Thank you David for your faith, exampl, and love.
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