33

The Prodigal Son
Thomas O. Chisholm
George C. Stebbins

Out in the wilderness wild and drear, Sadly I've wandered for many a year,
Driven by hunger and filled with fear, I will arise and go;
Backward with sorrow my steps to trace, Seeking my heavenly Father's face,
Willing to take but a servant's place I will arise and go
Back to my Father and home, (and home), Back to my Father and home,
I will arise and go (and go) Back to my Father and home.

Why should I perish in dark despair, Here where there's no one to help or care,
When there is shelter and food to spare?  I will arise and go;
Deeply repenting the wrong I've done, Worthy no more to be called a son,
Hoping my father His child may own I will arise and go
Back to my Father and home, (and home), Back to my Father and home,
I will arise and go (and go) Back to my Father and home.

Sweet are the memories that come to me, Faces of loved ones again I see,
Visions of home where I used to be I will arise and go;
Other have gone who had wandered too, They were forgiven, were clothed anew,
Why should I linger, with home in view?  I will arise and go
Back to my Father and home, (and home), Back to my Father and home,
I will arise and go (and go) Back to my Father and home.

Oh, that I never had gone astray!  Life was all radiant with hope one day;
Now all its treasures I've thrown away, Yet, I'll arise and go;
Something is saying "God loves you still, Though you have treated His love so ill";
I must not wait, for the night grows chill, I will arise and go
Back to my Father and home, (and home), Back to my Father and home,
I will arise and go (and go) Back to my Father and home.