I set out one night in the fast lane bound for freedom
in a truck that daddy bought me
and money mom had saved for school

I laid down all my books and picked up the drinking
hell I let 'em down
when i gave up like a fool

and one reckless night just lookin' for my whiskey
I found a bible mama gave me and read a while
I read a story 'bout a man who lived just like me
then finally ate his pride and came runnin' home

and lord I'm a renegade, a rambler
I've squandered all I've owned
a bonified runaway, I'm a gambler
can't count the lies I've told
and I need redemption, how 'bout forgiveness
and I pray for open arms, and be with me lord
'cause I'm comin' home, like a modern day prodigal son

I had all of my things packed by early mornin'
I left that bottle I'd lost right there on the bathroom floor
I stopped at a payphone and called back home to mama
yeh she might not even talk after all I've done

the phone rang twice before I got an answer

and mama nearly dropped the phone when she heard me say
I said mama it's your son and will yall have me
she said son you know I've longed for this day