More Songs

I was digging through some stuff the other day and found this song that I wrote a few years ago. My brother and I used to do it as a duet -- he on mandolin, me on guitar. I sang most of it and he chimed in on the parts you see in parenthesis, as well as providing the "voice" of the prodigal son that you see in italics mid-way through the song. Good times. It was a medium-slow waltz with a Celtic-vibe melody.

EMBRACE

A young man, rebellious and quarrelsome
Thought he'd have more pleasure out on his own.
He said, "Dad, I'm leaving -- give me what is due.
Your place is too stifling so I'm through with you."

The father cried (his heart broken)
Say, "Goodbye," (the world is open)
And deliciously wild
For a reckless, rich child.

Strong drink and loose lovers
Sure loved his loose change;
So did his companions, who always arranged
To be right beside him for nights on the town.
Much dancing and laughter, then he'd buy them a round.

Gradually (he grew poorer)
Couldn't pay (for much more)
More desparate each day --
His friends slipped away.

His ruin complete, he begged for his bread;
Many's the day he wished he were dead.
He couldn't blame false friends -- he'd been false too.
He thought of his father's heart, broken in two.

I had a family, but I can't go back.
My father knows all the strength that I lack.
And why should he want me, or welcome me home?
But where could I go?
Where else could I go?

As he tops the last hill home, who first should he see
But his own father -- and then their eyes meet.
The son's eyes grow teary, so he looks to the ground.
Although he can't see now, he still hears the sound

Of his father (come running)
Joyful shouting (and running)
Did he somehow forget
Hateful words his son said?

The father approaches, the son starts to bow,
Chin starts to quiver, eyes still on the ground.
The father says "Son, I've been counting the days!"
Then ... they embrace.

The father says "Son, I've been counting the days!"
Then they embrace.