In Amidons' book 'Fifty-five Anthems for the Small Church Choir' Sung here by the Friends-of-the-Amidons-Singers, Tony Barrand and Mary Alice Amidon soloists. Our late friend and singing colleague Lucy Simpson was a great collector and singer of old hymns. Like many of her discoveries, she found this song in one of her many old hymnals. You get both the piano/SATB score and vocal score pdfs.LYRICSThe Prodigal's Returnfrom 'The Vestry Harp' by AD Merrill, published in 1845.Afflictions though they seem severeIn mercy oft are sent,They stopped the prodigal's careerAnd caused him to repent.I'll die no more for bread, he criedNor starve in foreign landsMy father's house hath large suppliesAnd bounteous are his hands.What have I gained by sin, he said,But hunger shame and fear;My father's house abounds with breadWhile I am starving here.I'll go and tell him all I've doneFall down before his faceUnworthy to be called his sonI'll seek a servant's place.His father saw him coming backHe saw and ran and smiledAnd threw his arms around the neckOf his rebellious child.Father, I've sinned but O forgiveEnough, the Father said;Rejoice, my house, my Son's aliveFor whom I mourned as dead.Now let the fatted calf be slainAnd spread the news around;My son was dead and lives again;Was lost, but now is found.'Tis thus the Lord his love reveals,To call poor sinners home;More than a Father's love he feels,And welcomes all who come.I'll die no more for bread, he criedNor starve in foreign landsMy father's house hath large suppliesAnd bounteous are his hands
