I haven't read any of Horatio Alger work so I am not really sure how he fits into it, but the rest of the song is the story of the prodigal son but from the other son's perspective. "Do you ever forget - you had a regret - and what you only guessed at Might still be waiting?" sums up the other brother's resentment for their father's acceptance of the prodigal son. Like he is wishing bad things on his brother.
Also the refrain of "Don't look at me, no I ain't one, no prodigal son" comes across to me in a very sarcastic tone again driving home the feelings of the other son.
I haven't read any of Horatio Alger work so I am not really sure how he fits into it, but the rest of the song is the story of the prodigal son but from the other son's perspective. "Do you ever forget - you had a regret - and what you only guessed at Might still be waiting?" sums up the other brother's resentment for their father's acceptance of the prodigal son. Like he is wishing bad things on his brother.
Also the refrain of "Don't look at me, no I ain't one, no prodigal son" comes across to me in a very sarcastic tone again driving home the feelings of the other son.