Prodigal Son

Song details

Bad Religion original
Yes
First released
2007
First release
New Maps of Hell (album)
Songwriter
Brett Gurewitz

Lyrics

Prodigal Son

Oh can't you feel the nostalgia, son, I wonder about ya, Modernistocrat Horatio Alger, Clever never hesitating in the baiting, ever waiting For the canticle of manacles abating. Did you ever forget - you had a regret - and what you only guessed at Might still be waiting? When the prodigal son with a caroming shadow of hate comes to land at home, Well, he's a mourning star with a champagne heart at his curtain call, And father never understood the way the work gets done. Don't look at me, no, I ain't one, no prodigal son, Don't look at me, no, I ain't one, no prodigal son. When everybody about - is ready to bout you - about controversial values, Don't you think you better readdress the level of the cowardice rising to drown you? Did you ever connect - or come to reject - or even inspect The dreams that hound you? When the prodigal son with a caroming shadow of hate comes to land at home, Well, he's a mourning star with a champagne heart at his curtain call, And father never understood the way the work gets done. Don't look at me, no, I ain't one, no prodigal son, Don't look at me, no, I ain't one, no prodigal son. When you least expect it, he's going to run Like the blood red path of the western sun, oh yeah. The prodigal son is waiting, waiting for his moment to come. Well, hell no, don't look at me, Can't you see, I ain't one, no prodigal son. Don't look at me, no, I ain't one, no prodigal son.

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#214

214th most featured song

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Song Interpretations

What do you think this song is about? Share your interpretation and explain your reasoning.

2

HallowfishFeb 23, 2024
So many people do not agree with how the world runs now and yet nothing is done as most are afraid to challenge the status quo and say nothing because their values may be interpreted as "controversial".
gordo7Dec 2, 2009

I think this is a social commentary about the general population. Brett is saying that there are many people who fit the description of "the prodigal son" in our society. The prodigal son subtly hates everybody for petty reasons, but means not to disturb them or challenge their opinions for the sake of his own ambitions, and this is how we are all becoming. Greed and spineless political and social values for the sake…

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I think this is a social commentary about the general population. Brett is saying that there are many people who fit the description of "the prodigal son" in our society. The prodigal son subtly hates everybody for petty reasons, but means not to disturb them or challenge their opinions for the sake of his own ambitions, and this is how we are all becoming. Greed and spineless political and social values for the sake of the peace are becoming the social norm, is this beneficial? He stresses he is not like this himself.