This Fine Occasion

He took all the money that was comin' his way

He didn't even take the time to explain

He just wanted loose…from all the rules and religion

His old man begged him not to go

"It's ugly out there, I happen to know

Stay here, my son, and we'll make a great life together!”

(BG Singers…Don't go! Don't go! Please son please, please don't go!)

He didn't even turn around or wave goodbye

He left his Daddy standin' there with tears in his eyes

And he went off in his search of a really, really good time

His brother stood back and watched him go

"Good riddance, you fool, you don't even know

What you're doin' here now…is really killin' our dad!"

(BG Singers…You're killin' him boy! You're killin' him boy!

What you're doing to our dad...is really killin' him boy!)

So the boy went off and found his good time

Spent all that he had, every single dime

Woke up one day cold, and lyin’ in an alley

He took to feedin' pigs and eatin' their food

He thought to himself, "This just isn't good

Even my father's servants are doin' better than me!"

(BG Singers…You left it all behind, you left it all behind,

Boy...you left the good life behind!)

"If I throw myself at Daddy's feet

And humble myself and ask him please

Maybe he'll let me come back as one of his servants"

So, he determined to go and seek mercy there

And a long way off, his heart in despair

He looked up to see his father running full speed toward him

(BG Singers…What's he gonna do? What's he gonna do?

After all you've done boy... what's he gonna do?)

His father ran up and fell on his neck

Kissed him and hugged him and finally said

"Son, I am so very happy you're home!

I've been looking for you every day you've been gone

And now you are here, you've been gone for so long

My heart is so full, I can hardly contain how I feel!"

(BG Singers…You found mercy, mercy, mercy,

Oh, boy...you found mercy!)

"Dad, I'm so sorry, I was so very wrong

I'm no longer worthy to be called your son

Please let me come back and work as one of your hired servants"

But his dad called the servants to bring him a robe

He put a ring on his finger and off they strode

Up to the house for a really, really good time

(BG Singers…All is forgiven, forgiven, forgiven,

You hit the jackpot boy, all... is forgiven)

The oldest boy asked a servant, "What's all the noise?"

"Your brother's come home and your dad's full of joy

We killed 'em a calf and they're in there havin' a party!"

The boy asked his dad, "How could ya do such a thing?!

After all that he's done and you're gonna sing?!

Daddy, where oh where, is your good reason?!"

(BG Singers…Whaddaya thinkin'? Whaddaya thinkin'?

Daddy have you lost your mind?!!!)

"You never killed a fattened calf for me

Or threw me a party so my friends could see

If I was ever even important to you!"

"Son, all I have is yours to do as you please

Anytime that you want, but why can't you see

Your brother's come home and we should celebrate…this fine occasion"

(BG Singers…Somebody's jealous, jealous, jealous

Ooooohhhhh...somebody's jealous!)

"So don't be angry and come inside

Your brother was dead but now he's alive!

Your brother was lost, but now he's come…back…home!

I've been lookin' for him every day he's been gone

And now he is here, he's been gone for so long

My heart is so full I can hardly contain how I feel!"

(BG Singers…Where's your compassion boy?

Do you even know how to spell the word?")

"I'm showing him mercy but your heart is stone

Don't ya get it boy, your brother's come home!

Your brother has come back from the dead!

All is forgiven, everything that he's done

The same as for you, my faithful son

Now come, let's celebrate...this fine occasion”

(BG Singers…Let's celebraaaate...this fine occasion)