All of you share my gladness: The son I lost is found! At last he's done with madness, And back on solid ground. Some have to learn the hard way To tell the wheat from the chaff: Let there be songs and dancing, And kill the fatted calf! Great was my joy to see you, As you came up the road! What could I do but free you From your unhappy load? 'Father, I'll be your servant'- What could I do but laugh? Let there be songs and dancing, Dear son, on your behalf! We must forgive your brother: He's done the work of two But never tried to smother His envy, son, of you. Why should he be the loser, Because the lost is found? Let there be songs and dancing, And pass the love-cup round! After these years of sadness, Of sorry new, or none, Of wondering why such badness Should come out in a son: Let there be songs and dancing, And pass the love-cup round! Could God himself be happier? The son I lost is found!