Riding my life like a run-a-way train
Moving from one track to that
Howling, crying
Screaming at the moon
Only my voice came back
Only the echo came back
When I was a boy
Daddy told me, “Grow tall
Yes and, Billy, don’t crawl”
Taught me how to ride
Set me out on my own
And I never came back
And yes, I’d do it again
Oh, wouldn’t you?
Yeah, I’d do it again
A-huh, oh yeah
Do it again, baby
Wouldn’t you?
Remember when I lied
Just when you needed me
Now I sit alone and cry
‘Cause now I believe in mercy
Remember when I lied
Just when you needed me, baby
I believe in mercy
Riding, walking, looking so cool
Guess I crossed over the borderline
Treated like a dunce who just can’t read
Did I fool me too?
And yes, I’d do it again
Oh, wouldn’t you?
Yes, I’d do it again
Aha yeah, I’d do it again, baby
Wouldn’t you?
Remember when I lied
Just when you needed me
Now I sit alone and cry
‘Cause now I believe in mercy
Remember when I lied
Now that you
Needed me
Yes, I believe in mercy
I said, “Come here”
Look into my face
And hear into my heart
Hesitation could rearrange
The other side to your love
Take hold now, baby
And take what other lovers have not
Times is changing, will they rearrange?
The other side to your love
No, whoa whoa whoa
Yeah
Woo
Come home
Here he is, impatient one
Come home
Come home
Tell the story
Come home
Here he is
The impatient one
Come home
To claim a glory
Prodigal son
Come home
Prodigal bum
Come home
Prodigal son
Prodigal son
Come home
To claim a glory
Prodigal son
Come home
Prodigal son
Come home
Prodigal bum
Here he comes
Yeah, that prodigal son
Ooh
He’s the one
To tell his story
C’mon, to tell his story
C’mon, tell his story
C’mon, to claim his glory
Prodigal son
Exploring the Journey of the Prodigal
“Prodigal Blues” by Billy Idol is a poignant reflection on personal growth, mistakes, and the longing for redemption. The song draws inspiration from the biblical parable of the prodigal son, using vivid imagery of runaway trains and echoes to symbolize a life spent searching for meaning beyond the boundaries set by family and society. Idol’s lyrics reveal a tension between youthful rebellion and the inevitable reckoning that follows. The confessions of lies and pleas for mercy paint a picture of regret, while the repeated call to “come home” emphasizes a deep desire for forgiveness and belonging.
Redemption and Self-Discovery
The narrative voice in the song conveys both pride in independence and an ache for reconciliation. Idol’s introspective lines about believing in mercy and accepting past mistakes highlight the universal struggle between freedom and responsibility. Ultimately, “Prodigal Blues” stands as an anthem for anyone who has strayed and hopes to return, changed and ready to reclaim lost glory.
Song Credits
Songwriters: Billy Idol, Mark Younger-Smith
Release Year: 1990
Label: Chrysalis Records