Father I Have Sinned (Prodigal Son / Beloved One)

This is a hymn about God's mercy and forgiveness. It was written by Irish-born, Canadian raised (ref) Roman Catholic priest and member of the Redemptorist order, Eugene O'Reilly CSsR (b 1944).

The song is based on the Parable of the Prodigal Son. The verses speak with the voice of the repentant “prodigal”, while the chorus gives the loving Father's response. This structure may make it unsuitable for liturgical use - but it is popular, and originally written for, retreats and other non-liturgical gatherings. It has also sometimes been used at funerals.

It was included in the Canadian Catholic Book of Worship (CBW) II published 1980, and this blog-post from 1998 refers to it. More recently it was recorded by English pastoral music team, CMJ Music and it is this performance which is listed with CCLI as copyright 2001. Sheet music is available either via the CBW, or from CJM's website.

With meter 56.56 with refrain, the song is set to a tune by O'Reilly called PRODIGAL SON. This has a 4/4 time signature, and in the key of E the first few notes of the melody are F E F B G_.

Downloads

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Examples

Choir with piano - recorded live in a church service:

Professional recording - lead singer and small group, guitar accompaniment:

Choir with soloist - professional recording

Solo singer with guitar:

Praise team with band:

Lyrics

A rough outline is:

Father I have sinned,
help me find my way.
Remember not my sins,
just let me hear you say:

Chorus:
I forgive you, I love you
You are mine, take my hand.
Go in peace, sin no more,
Beloved one.

Father I have turned,
my back and walked away
Depended on my strength
and lived life my own way

Father I have closed,
my heart to those in need.
Thought only of myself,
a victim of my greed.

Father I have loved,
if love’s the word to use.
I’ve played so many games,
they’ve left me so confused.

Father I’ve returned,
I’m home with you to stay.
Standing at your door,
knowing that you’ll say ....