Prodigal Blues

"Prodigal Blues" is a song by Billy Idol from his 1990 studio album Charmed Life. It was also released as the album's third and final single in December 1990.

"Prodigal Blues"
Single by Billy Idol
from the album Charmed Life
B-side	"The Loveless"
Released	10 December 1990[1]
Label	Chrysalis
Songwriter(s)	Billy Idol
Producer(s)	Keith Forsey
Billy Idol singles chronology
"L.A. Woman" (1990) "Prodigal Blues" (1990) "Heroin" (1993)

Background and writing

The song was written by Billy Idol. Speaking of its message, he told Sounds in 1990, "It's my father talking to me and me talking to [my son] Willem. By being angry, mad and crazy at times, I've shouted for an answer and all I've got back was my own echo. What I'm saying to Willem is what my father said to me – everybody has to leave the security of things they love to find out what they're all about. But you don't necessarily have to destroy yourself to do it.^[2]

Charts

Chart (1990–1991)	Peak position
Australian (ARIA Charts)[3]	109
UK Singles (OCC)[4]	47
US Mainstream Rock (Billboard)[5]	35