This project, The Prodigal Son, holds a deep significance for me, inspired by the well-known biblical parable. I wrote, composed, and performed this piece myself, bringing it to life with the production talent of Enjay.

The song is played in a 4-5-1 chord progression, with occasional 1-5-6 transitions between the verses and chorus, which gives the piece a sense of dynamic movement and structure. We intentionally kept the instrumentation minimal, relying mostly on the guitar and vocals to stay true to the emotional tone and raw honesty of the story.

Playing the guitar live and singing along felt like a direct channel to the heart of the Prodigal Son’s journey. His story is so universal—a tale of regret, reflection, and the hope for forgiveness. In many ways, each of us has played the Prodigal Son at one time or another, having made choices that caused hurt or led us away from those we love and even from our faith. Through this song, I wanted to bring that narrative into the real. Imagining him in a desolate moment, sitting in a pigsty after squandering his wealth, was powerful; it felt like capturing a moment of pure vulnerability.

In this piece, we explore the significant narrative of the Prodigal Son, a story that resonates deeply with the themes of regret, redemption, and self-discovery. As we examine this tale, we also reflect on how art serves as a powerful medium for expressing these complex emotions and experiences. At Art in the Round, we believe in the holistic expression of creativity across all forms—be it music, visual arts, or performance. This ethos inspires us to not only narrate stories but also to translate them into vibrant artistic expressions that connect with our audiences on multiple levels.

In the lyrics, it’s almost as if he’s in a soliloquy, speaking his thoughts out loud in a moment of intense isolation. A soliloquy is often used in literature to reveal a character's inner conflict, allowing the audience to witness their unfiltered emotions and thoughts. Here, I’ve applied this to the Prodigal Son, picturing him sitting in despair, struggling with guilt, and wrestling with whether he has the courage to return home. This internal conversation reveals his shame but also hints at his hope for forgiveness, as he prepares to face his father and ask for acceptance.

The song explores this powerful moment of self-realization and the journey back—a tale of humility and the courage it takes to seek forgiveness. As we walk through the verses, we glimpse into his thoughts, preparing to ask his father for forgiveness and hoping for a second chance.

I begin the song with an Akan adage, "Kuntu hwan a nakyi na eko," which means that when a traditional trap (kuntu) meant for catching animals is triggered, it returns to its original state. This saying is often used to signify the need to return to a familiar path or way of being. From here, the lyrics take the form of a soliloquy, as if the son is contemplating in solitude, sitting in despair, and weighing his next steps. It sets the tone for the story I want to tell—a story of returning to one’s roots after losing direction. The verse then moves to another proverb about the danger of “playing rough in feeble clothes,” which serves as a metaphor for living recklessly despite being unprepared for the consequences.

The chorus reflects on the speaker's actions, recognizing the harm done through thoughtless words and choices that led to self-destruction. The imagery of torn clothes symbolizes the toll these choices have taken. In the second verse, I explore how he reflects on the arrogance with which he demanded his inheritance and ignored advice—an impulsiveness that only led to hardship and loss. Another proverb is used here: "If you forcefully remove your tooth, you only bleed." It reflects the natural order of life and how forced or premature actions often lead to unnecessary pain.

The bridge then brings the emotional crescendo, as he confronts what he has lost. His clothes are tattered, his mirror is shattered, and his body is weak with hunger. He calls out to his father, not just for forgiveness but for a chance to be accepted once more.

The simplicity of the instrumentation—featuring live guitar and a restrained arrangement—mirrors the stripped-down emotional tone of the song, allowing the weight of each line to resonate. Through The Prodigal Son, I aim to personify the universal experience of regret, the painful awareness of our own faults, and the journey to make amends.

Thank you for reading, let me know what you think, share your thoughts, leave a comment and most importantly enjoy the music.