THE TUNE
To “The Prodigal Child” was composed by Dr. Doane in 1869 and no hymn ever had a fitter singing ally. All a mother's yearning is in the refrain and cadence.
Come home! Oh, come home!
“LET THE LOWER LIGHTS BE BURNING!”
An illustration, recited in Mr. Moody's graphic fashion in one of his discourses, suggested this hymn to P.P. Bliss.
“A stormy night on Lake Erie, and the sky pitch dark.”
‘Pilot, are you sure this is Cleveland? There's only one light.’
‘Quite sure, Cap'n.’
‘Where are the lower lights?’
‘Gone out, sir.’