I was done hoeing, out in the fields for the day
I was thinking of going, I had to leave right away
My life was just fading, and though I felt so alone
The nearest young maiden was, a full day's ride from home

My father was reading, the holy books in his room
My heart was just pleading, I knew I had to go soon
He smiled and pointed, to an old wooden chair
I wanted to hold him, but then I just wouldn't dare!
I said "Father there's so much to know, there's a world of things to see
And I'm ready, to go and make a life for myself
If you give me what is mine, I will go if I can have your blessing
But if you won't bless my journey, I'm going to leave anyway."

"Son, I've always tried my, best for you, but if
You must be leaving home, then go, with the blessing, of God."

Not too many days later, I was well on my way
I met a traveling stranger, who seemed to have much to say
He told me tales of the city, and all the women he had
I asked him wasn't that sinful?
He said "No, it isn't that bad!"

Then a few days later, on an old city road
We were drowning in laughter, and we had women to hold
And this went on quite a long time, my father gave me a lot
But when my pockets were empty Lord oh, my "friends" all left me rot!
Then a famine hit and drained the land
Everywhere I looked I saw starvation
And a job was so hard to find
I wandered through the city streets
Competing for the food of common beggars
Up till then I'd never known hunger
But now I wasn't too proud

I finally found some employment
Feeng pigs on a farm. I wasn't treated too kindly Lord
I had to sleep in the barn. I had to eat with swine!
The bread I ate was like stone. It didn't take too much time until
I was dreaming of home! Oh! the servants there are better fed
If I could only have what my father gives them
I would truly need nothing more
Oh I will go and say to him, "I'm no longer worthy to be in you family
Will you take me as your servant? And let me live with them?"

It didn't take too long to, pack my things
I left with only what I wore, and I prayed, that I still had, a home

I was near home, in sight of the house
My father just stared, dropped open his mouth
He ran up the road, and fell to my feet, and cried, and cried
"Father, I've sinned, Heaven's ashamed
I'm no longer worthy, to wear your name
I've learned that my home, is right where you are
Oh father, take me in."
"Bring the best robe, put it on my son
Shoes for his feet, hurry, put them on
This is my son, who I thought had died
Prepare a feast, for my son's life!
I prayed and prayed, never heard a sound
My son was lost, Oh Thank you God! He's found!
My son was dead and he's now alive
Prepare a feast for my son's life!
My son was dead, my son was lost
My son returned in the hands of God."