Parents and church leaders today often worry about whether children are truly aware of their identity as a son or daughter of God, and the God-endorsed nature of relationships. In order to make the Church’s stance on family values clearer, the Children’s Songbook used in Primary has seen multiple changes. Here are the biggest changes to some of the world’s most loved songs.

“I Am a Child of God” is a Primary classic and one of the first songs anyone learning a second language will sing. Here is the new and improved first verse:

I am a son/daughter of God,

And He has sent me here,

Has given me an earthly home,

With a mother and father kind and dear.

(chorus to follow)

In a sharp turn from children being able to sing “child” all together, children now say either “son” or “daughter” depending on their gender. It sounds a little jumbled, but it’s important to know who you are. In addition, the emphasis on straight relationships is new.

Now, a baptism classic, sung at almost every 8-year-olds coming of accountability. “When I Am Baptized” is a beautiful song that highlights the blessing of Christ’s Atonement. However, the reference to rainbows as a central tenet of the song draws a bit too close to a certain movement for Primary parents. Here are the new, equally beautiful words to this baptism bop:

I like to look for rainbows,

But only when it rains.

Finally, a primary song that once again is well-loved: “We’ll Bring the World His Truth (Army of Helaman).” While the old song talked about “goodly parents,” this wasn’t clear enough. The only goodly parents in the Church are mothers and fathers. As such, the new lyrics to the first verse:

We have been born, As Nephi of old,

To mother and father who love the Lord.

We have been taught, and we understand,

That we must do as the Lord commands.

 

These songs will live on in history as the most blessed bangers to ever leave the lips of children.