Listen Again: The Prodigal

There are moments in life when we can no longer stay at “home.” The lure of the city, a new love, no responsibilities, a change - whatever it may be you have likely lived part of this story.

The call of the other oftentimes looms too large for us.

From the perspective of the prodigal, going is much easier than staying. Be it right action, rebellion, freedom, growth, or any number of reasons, it is time to go. It has not been a simple path toward leaving but on the day of the first step out that door it is new life.

But what if you have been left? Blame, anger, loss, sadness… Would you change all of your plans to keep them home?

This is not an old story, nor is it a new story - it is a true story.

I’ve been struck lately listening to the Avett Brothers song, “If It’s The Beaches.” It poetically captures the story told from home. Listen with open ears today to these lyrics and hear the voice of home (be it the Father/Mother/Sibling) willing to change their life to be with the prodigal.

Lyrics:
If It’s The Beaches

Don't say it's over
'Cause that's the worst news I could hear
I swear that I will
Do my best to be here just the way you like it
Even though it's hard to hide
Push my feelings all aside
I will rearrange my plans and change for you

If I could go back
That's the first thing I would do
I swear that I would
Do my best to follow through
Come up with a master plan
A homerun hit, a winning stand
A guarantee and not a promise
That I'll never let your love slip from my hands

If it's the beaches

If it's the beaches' sands you want

Then you will have them

If it's the mountains' bending rivers

Then you will have them

If it's the wish to run away

Then I will grant it

Take whatever what you think of

While I go gas up the truck

Pack the old love letters up

We will read them when we forget why we left here

Songwriters: Scott Yancey Avett / Timothy Seth Avett
If It's the Beaches lyrics © BMG Rights Management US, LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc