I had a mind to make my way,
to see the world, to have my say.
My Father granted my request
and gave me early his bequest.

Soon into a wicked crowd I fell,
in everything bad my mind would dwell;
all the good things my Father gave
could not from death my spirit save.

All that was so freely given
I spent in vain – to make earth heaven,
until friendless, penniless, myself did sell
and find myself in living hell.

And there amid the swine and swill
I came to hate my selfish will
and thought upon my Father’s farm
where my family lived all safe from harm.

And so myself I found at last
and humbly went to mend the past
and found my Father waiting there,
my every need His only care.

Not in the wealth of gold and jewels
my Father’s endless love is found,
but in His forgiving tender arms –
here I rest. I am safe and sound.

Words: Andrew Hawes (1954 –   )