Prodigal Son

The Rolling Stones' song 'Prodigal Son' is a retelling of the biblical parable of the Prodigal Son, found in the Gospel of Luke. The story is about a young man who takes his inheritance from his father and squanders it in a distant land. The lyrics capture the essence of the parable, emphasizing themes of repentance, forgiveness, and redemption. The song begins with the young man leaving home with his father's bread, symbolizing his inheritance, and venturing into the unknown, where he eventually loses everything.

As the story progresses, the young man faces a famine and is forced to take a job feeding swine, a task that brings him to a low point. This moment of despair is crucial as it leads to his realization that he must return home. The lyrics poignantly describe his shame and regret, as he decides to go back to his father, hoping for forgiveness. The repetition of the phrase 'that'll be the way to get along' underscores his search for a path to redemption.

The climax of the song is the father's reaction to his son's return. Instead of anger or disappointment, the father welcomes him with open arms, symbolizing unconditional love and forgiveness. The father orders the fatted calf to be killed and a celebration to be held, signifying the joy of reconciliation. The song ends on a hopeful note, with the father declaring that his son was lost but now is found, encapsulating the core message of the parable: no matter how far one strays, there is always a path back to grace and acceptance.