LYRICS now, the prodigal son was a forward child, his mind was not to obey but after he left his father’s house he thought he had gone astray i believe i believe that i will go back home i believe i believe that i will go back home i believe i believe i that i will go back home and be a servant of the Lord his father saw him coming he met him with a smile he threw his arms around him saying this is my darling child chorus the prodigal said, i searched for true religion, but to peace and no faith could i find until i came to a little place called Bakersfield, that eased my troublin’ mind chorus i wandered into a tavern where a music band was playin’ the steel guitar rang out so sweet, i feel like i was prayin’ i asked a comely waitress, is this a new teaching she said there is no God but God, and Ralph Mooney is his name let me empty your ashtray, Mr. Mooney, if the drunks interfere i’ll be sad but just as long as you sit there on the bandstand and play your guitar like Buddha, i’ll be glad the father asked the prodigal, did you smell the sweet perfume and hear the angel band? he said, dim lights, thick smoke, and loud, loud music is the only kind of truth i’ll ever understand the prodigal son Ry Cooder’s latest album, The Prodigal Son, is all America, our spiritual, hopeful voices, our raw cries and our sly provocations, voiced through the songs of the Pilgrim Travelers, The Stanley Brothers, Blind Willie Johnson, and Ry Cooder himself. This is black and white gospel church music, our own history of the spirit, sounding completely fresh and contemporary, framed by Cooder's expressive vocals and graceful, elegant guitar work. Aided by his son, drummer and chief collaborator, Joachim Cooder, The Prodigal Son is a deft commentary on our ailing moral state. This is music for these times, a fearless dive into the country’s soul and the man, Ry Cooder. For nearly 50 years, the immense scope and influence of Ry Cooder's music has perhaps been felt as much, or more than heard. As musician, producer, songwriter and sage, the Santa Monica, California native has explored music and culture from across the city, the state, the country and around the world. Over the years, Ry Cooder has received various awards and accolades such as: 2017 - BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards- Lifetime achievement 2007 – Americana Music Association Lifetime Achievement Award Instrumentalist 2003 Grammy Award (Best Traditional Tropical Latin Album) – Buenos Hermanos, 2003 Grammy Award (Best Pop Instrumental Album) – Mambo Sinuendo 1997 Grammy Award (Best Tropical Latin Performance) – Buena Vista Social Club 1994 Grammy Award (Best World Music Album) – Talking Timbuktu with Ali Farka Toure 1993 Grammy Award (Best World Music Album) – A Meeting by the River 1988 Grammy Award (Best Recording for Children) – Pecos Bill The Prodigal Son Track Listing 1. straight street 2. shrinking man 3. gentrification 4. everybody ought to treat a stranger right 5. the prodigal son 6. nobody’s fault but mine 7. you must unload 8. i’ll be rested when the roll is called 9. harbor of love 10. jesus and woody 11. in his care