The Prodigal Son

Now, the prodigal son was a forward child

His mind was not to obey

But after he left his father's house

He thought he had gone astray

That's why

I believe that, I believe that I will go back home

Then I believe that, then I believe that I will go back home

Then I believe, then I believe that I will go back home

And be a servant of the Lord

Now his father saw him coming

And he met him with a smile

He threw his arms around him

Saying, "This is my darling child"

And I

I believe that, I believe that I will go back home

Then I believe that, then I believe that I will go back home

Then I believe, then I believe that I will go back home

And be a servant of the Lord

And now the father asked the prodigal

"Son, why you been gone so long?

But think you sold on the world

And forget your old happy home

The prodigal said, "I searched for true religion

But, uh, no faith and no peace could I find

Until I came to a little place called Bakersfield

That eased my troublin' mind"

I believe that, I believe that I will go back home

Then I believe that, then I believe that I will go back home

Then I believe, then I believe that I will go back home

And be a servant of the Lord

I wandered into a tavern

Where a music band was playin'

Now the steel guitar rang out so sweet

I feel like I was prayin', ah

And I asked a comely waitress, "Is this a new teaching?"

Yeah, she said "There is no God but God

And Ralph Mooney is his name"

I said, "Let me empty your ashtray, Mr. Mooney

And if the drunks interfere I'll be sad

But just as long as you sit there on the bandstand

And play your guitar like Buddha, I'll be glad"

Now the father asked the prodigal

"Did you smell the sweet perfume

And hear the angel band?"

He said, "Daddy, dim lights, thick smoke and loud, loud music

Is the only kind of truth I'll ever understand"

That's why

I believe that, I believe that I will go back home

Then I believe that, then I believe that I will go back home

Then I believe, then I believe that I will go back home

And be a servant of the Lord

I believe, if I believe that I will, if I believe

I believe, if I believe that I will, if I believe

I believe, if I believe that I will, if I believe

I believe, if I believe that I will, if I believe

I believe, if I believe that I will, if I believe

I believe, if I believe that I will, if I believe

I believe, if I believe that I will, if I believe

I believe, if I believe that I will, if I believe