1. When the shadows ’round you gather,
When the day is long and drear,
In the morning, or at midnight,
Your best friend is always near.

Refrain
Always near, always near,
Your best friend is always near;
In your gladness, in your sadness,
Your best friend is always near.

2. When your courage almost fails you,
When you need a word of cheer,
There is One who will not leave you:
Your best friend is always near. [Refrain]

3. When your fondest hopes have perished,
When so freely falls the tear,
He who knows and feels your sorrow—
Your best friend—is always near. [Refrain]

4. When the valley of the shadow
You are treading, do not fear;
One there is who will go with you:
Your best friend is always near. [Refrain]