Written in memory of Master Sergeant Larry Mickelsen - my dearest friend and mentor, who passed away in 2024. I performed this song at his funeral in Oakley Idaho, where he was the Mayor. He was my closest friend and great man - my Bishop in Wuerzburg Germany in the early 1980s; and as my Stake President in Heidelberg Germany 2010-2013. Vietnam Veteran who was awarded the Bronze Star and Combat Infantry Medal. In peacetime he was awarded he Soldier's medal - the highest peacetime award - for saving a woman's life from a burning car in Germany - barely escaping serious injury or death. Unfortunately, he could not save her husband before the car exploded. He also could not see their young child in the back seat because of the flames and smoke.
Lyrics
THE OTHER SIDE
Words and music by Scott John Smith
G Em C G
Life is a river - so wide and so deep
G Em C G
Runs from the mountains – out to the sea
G Em C G
We all must cross it – in our own time
Em A7 C G
If we would get to the other side
G Em C G
Adam was the first man to fall in love
G Em C G
Noah built the Ark to weather the flood
G Em C G
And Moses O Moses only saw the promised land
Em A7 C G Em A7 C G
And the Jesus he had nails driven through his feet and hands
(Pause)
C G
They are there on the other side
Em A7 C D7 (hold)
Where there’s only hellos and - no more goodbyes
G G7 C Am7
Where Mothers and Fathers and dear old friends abide
G Em C D G Em A7 C G
They all are waiting on the other side
G Em C G
I am a Soldier, Lord I await your command
G Em C G
You saved my life – back In Viet Nam
G Em C G
So if you want me – just give the word
Em A7 C G Em A7 C (hold)
I’ll run to the battle – my banner unfurled
G Em C G
O hear me dear Jesus you know I don’t want to die
G Em C G
And leave my dear wife and my children behind
G Em C G
Answer me one thing - Jesus, please tell
Em A7 C G C G
Did I do what I came to do – did I treat them well – Did I teach them well?
C G
Then take me Lord to the other side
Em A7 C D7
Where there’s only hellos and no more goodbyes
G G7 C Am7
Where old Soldiers go – to rest for a time
G Em C D G Em A7 C (hold)
I will go with you to the other side
G Em C G
Now when you are lonely for the sound of my voice
G Em C G
For the touch of my hand – when your eyes are moist
G Em C G
I will be there - just a stone’s throw away
Em A7 C G Em A7 C (hold)
In the sun and the breeze that blows upon your pretty face –
G Em C G
Yes, life is a river so wide and so deep
G Em C G
I must cross over before I can sleep
G Em C G
I am not afraid - my Lord will guide my feet
Em A7 C G C G
He is my shepherd – and I am His sheep, I am His sheep
C G
And we will be there on the other side
Em A7 (slow) Fsus G
Where there’s only hellos and no more good-byes