My sons, my sons, my precious sons. I've worked, I've saved, for you my sons.
All alone for so many years through the struggles, the sadness, the tears.
My sons have kept me on track each time that I fell, their love drew me back.

And now I sense, that we're drifting apart. I cannot hide, this pain deep in my heart.
My youngest son expresses a need to be free, to search, to learn, and to see.
To be on his own, to develop and grow "Father," you said, "Oh please let me go."

BRIDGE:
I've been down that road, the fights, the war
I've traveled it many years before.
The memories still linger in my head.
Attached to my heart by angel's thread.
In spite of myself, I made it through
Like footprints on blades of grass with dew
rising though bruised against the thorns
Resilient to battle all life's storms.

Wealth and possessions with you son I share, but more than possessions, son, remember I care.
And amidst life's twists, turns, and bends I'll be there, my love never ends.
Take care, overcome, persevere although we're apart, we'll always be near.

BRIDGE:
And so with his back against the wall
With no place to go, no one to call.
Alone in the world, so cruel and cold
In search of someone, to have, to hold.
And in his despair, no place to hide
He falls to his knees with just his pride.
And giving that up, it's all he had
He contacts his one true friend - his dad.

He said to his father, I'm so much at fault. I've squandered so much,
I've been under assault. I've been gone, yes, you know where I've been.
If you could, please forgive me my sin. Cannot lie, I've been selfishly having so much fun I'm not worthy to be - considered your son.

His father, knowing the depth of his pain Kissed and embraced him, said, "I have no disdain."
Father motioning his servants to find a robe with some sandals, bring the very best wine.
We'll celebrate, give him my favorite ring get the calf, we will feast, and we'll merrily sing.

BRIDGE:
But anger consumed the oldest son
Refused to come in and join the fun.
Saying, I slaved both day and night
Your faithful son through all my life.
Yet you never honored me like this
My brother appears the one you've missed.
So now I'm distraught, no time to laugh
For him you have killed the fattened calf.

And said the father to his boy My son, please don't sulk, but share my joy.
You've always been there, with love that flows what I have is yours, this you should know.
So let's celebrate, and not be mad. My two loving sons, you're all I have.
Your brother's alive who once was dead changing his life, which once he led.

Pour love in our hearts, let's show we care by joining our hands in loving prayer.
So all of my friends, let's gather round. My boy was once lost, but now's been found.
He's now been found.

©1998 St. Michael Press Publishing Co., Inc.