Brought from Ireland by Mr. Tom McMillan. Irish boys loved to sing this song years ago.
In the Bible we read, you all know,
Of a prodigal saved here below.
If you open your Book at the Gospel by Luke,
The 15th chapter will show
How they brought forth the robe and the ring,
Made merry, did shout and did sing,
Did dance and did laugh round the fatted calf,
While the father himself he would sing:
Chorus:
Glory to God! He’s come home;
Glory to God! He’s come home.
From guilt and from crime
And from feeding the swine,
Glory to God, He’s come home.
How bright were his hopes on that day,
When the prodigal turned away,
From home and from rest, and from all that was best;
He would not restraint nor delay.
But he quickly forgot of his home,
And turned his footsteps to roam,
Till friendless he stood without clothing or food,
Then he said, “I’ll arise and go home.”
The elder brother drew near
Where the music and singing went on;
For a servant he sent, and asked what it meant.
He told them his brother had come.
He was angry and would not go in,
So his father came outside to him,
And said, “Don’t be sad, we’re all merry and glad,”
While down in his heart he would sing:
Now if there’s a prodigal here,
Come now to the Father; draw near.
He’ll freely forgive and take you to live
With Himself—you’ll have nothing to fear:
And the bells of heaven will ring
At the birth of a child to a king,
And you’ll be so glad they’ll think you’ve gone mad,
You will cause such a stir when you sing:
Glory to God! I’ve come home,
Glory to God! I’ve come home;
From guilt and from crime
And from feeding the swine,
Glory to God! I’ve come home!
ML-10/30/1977