Thousands who fled during the country’s civil war celebrated the toppling of the Assad government — and their long-awaited return home — at the Syria-Lebanon border crossing.

Songs written during the Syrian uprising to cheer on the fall of Mr. al-Assad blasted from car speakers, their lyrics no longer fantasy.

“I don’t have words for how I feel right now. Joy, joy, all joy,” said Khitam Chiha, 23, standing on the sidewalk as the parade of cars and people passed. Red, green and white eye shadow — the colors of the Syrian opposition’s flag — were painted across her eyelids and she held a large flag in her hand.