I am the proud father of two adult children. I have been playing the guitar for various church bands for over 25 years. All of these songs are original and reflect a preference to Christian music with a country rhythm.
Story behind the song
The story is timeless - yet as current as today’s newspaper. As long as there is a loving Father there will be returning prodigals. Some of them are still wasting their time and resources in a far-off country, many are even now sitting in a putrid pigsty contemplating partaking of the slop that is set before them every day. Thankfully, there are some whose spiritual eyes are being opened to the hopelessness of their surroundings. Hesitantly at first, but then with more resolve, they determine to take action to arrive at the place of hope and joy for which their spirits long.
Finally reaching their destination in the outstretched arms of their loving Father, they find that repentant sorrow is totally eradicated by unconditional forgiveness and restoration. It’s party time in heaven whenever one sinner finds his way home!
Lyrics
It's been many years now - I'm tired and alone
And the money he gave me is wasted and gone
The slop in the pig trough’s lookin’ better each day
If I went home to Father - just what I would say
“Oh my Father forgive me for all that I've done
I'm no longer worthy to be known as your son
When you call for the servants and count out their pay
I'll just stand there among them - content in my way”
The farm is in sight now - it's just 'round the bend
And my arduous journey is nearing an end
But before I can reach him my Father draws near
And my fears are all lost in the words that I hear
“Put a ring on his finger, some shoes on his feet
A robe ‘round his shoulders - and for something to eat
Go slaughter the heifer that’s tied in the pen
For my son who was dead, is alive once again”
There are sounds of rejoicing from the house on the hill
And the once-silent walls there are no longer still
So don't hesitate to partake of the glee
As we now celebrate our restored family
But we need to be merry - there's no time to brood
For all of our sorrows have turned into good
All the past is forgotten - a new day’s begun
Since the Father has welcomed His wandering son
