Josiah Queen – The Prodigal

Josiah Queen is an American songwriter and newcomer.  His debut album released this year: The Prodigal.

Lyrics can be found at https://genius.com/Josiah-queen-the-prodigal-lyrics.

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1. What message does the song communicate?

This song is Josiah’s testimony from his former life of worldly pursuit, abandoning that lifestyle, and embracing Christ.  This journey is difficult but worth the effort.  Josiah will be perfected at the road’s end.

Score: 10/10

2. How much of the lyrics line up with Scripture?

This song is Scriptural.

[Verse 1]

Lines 1-3: The world no longer satisfies Josiah.  He sees the meaninglessness of life apart from God (Ecclesiastes 1:1-10).

[Pre-Chorus (1)]

Lines 1-3: Josaiah recognizes that if he continues his current path, he would have gained the world and forefited his soul (Matthew 16:26 and Mark 8:36).  A course correction is in order.

[Chorus]

Lines 1 and 2: Josiah’s gut check tells him that this world is not where he belongs.

Lines 3-5: Not literally, but going back to a state that Adam and Eve had before their fall: perfection.  While perfection is unattainable by mere works, this alludes to Jesus who makes Josiah perfect (Philippians 1:6).  It’s not easy because this requires humility (Micah 6:8, Romans 12:3, Romans 12:16, 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, Ephesians 4:2, Philippians 2:3-8, Colossians 3:12, James 4:6-10, James 4:14-16, and 1 Peter 5:5-10).

Lines 6 and 7: Borrows from Luke 15:20.

[Verse 2]

Lines 1-3: Josiah came to believe the truths found in Job 1:21 (that he will depart without his stuff) and Luke 12:15 (that he is not defined by his things).

[Pre-Chorus (2)]

Lines 1-3: Repeats Pre-Chorus (1), lines 1-3.

Line 4: That is, his eyes fixed on Jesus (Hebrews 12:2).

Line 5: As stated in 1 Corinthians 13:12 and Revelation 22:4.

Line 6: This is the reply Josiah wishes to hear from God (Matthew 25:21 and Matthew 25:23).

Lines 7 and 8: Repeats Chorus, lines 6 and 7.

Score: 10/10

3. How would an outsider interpret the song?

The words “Eden” and “prodigal” are dead giveaways to its Christian leanings.  They will likely conclude that Josaish wanted earthly treasures, realized his mistake, and wished to come home to God like the prodigal son.

Score: 10/10

4. What does this song glorify?

It glorifies God that Josiah came home.

Score: 10/10

Closing Comments

Josiah Queen’s The Prodigal is redemptive.  It describes Josiah’s journey from deadness in his quest for riches, fame, and happiness apart from God.  This left him empty and void.  Realizing his error, Josiah forakes his former love for one that is lasting and eternal, namely, God.  This brings Him glory.  Unbelievers should easily interpret this one.

Though Biblical, this song is primarily a testimonial.  It could fit somewhere in the church service; However, testimonials rarely make for excellent songs to lead one’s congregation into worship.

Final Score: 10/10

Artist Info

Track: The Prodigal (listen to the song)

Artist: Josiah Queen

Album: The Prodigal

Genre: Pop

Release Year: 2024

Duration: 3:13

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