About the song
The Pilgrim is a timeless gem that encapsulates the essence of country music. Sung by the soulful voices of Emmylou Harris and Kris Kristofferson, this duet takes us on a poignant journey through the heartland of America. The song’s evocative lyrics paint a vivid picture of a solitary traveler, seeking solace and meaning on life’s winding road.
Harris’s ethereal vocals and Kristofferson’s weathered baritone blend seamlessly, creating a rich and harmonious sound that is both comforting and inspiring. The melody is simple yet deeply moving, and the instrumentation is sparse, allowing the vocals to take center stage.
The song’s imagery is both beautiful and haunting. The pilgrim’s journey is a metaphor for the human experience, filled with both joy and sorrow. The lyrics explore themes of loss, longing, and hope, and they resonate with listeners on a deep emotional level.
The Pilgrim is a testament to the enduring power of country music. It is a song that has been covered by countless artists over the years, but Harris and Kristofferson’s version remains the definitive one. If you’re looking for a song that will stay with you long after the last note fades, I highly recommend giving The Pilgrim a listen.
Video
Lyrics
See him wasted on the sidewalk in his jacket and his jeans,
Wearin’ yesterday’s misfortunes like a smile
Once he had a future full of money, love, and dreams,
Which he spent like they was goin’ outta style
And he keeps right on a’changin’ for the better or the worse,
Searchin’ for a shrine he’s never found
Never knowin’ if believin’ is a blessin’ or a curse,
Or if the goin’ up was worth the comin’ downHe’s a poet, he’s a picker
He’s a prophet, he’s a pusher
He’s a pilgrim and a preacher, and a problem when he’s stoned
He’s a walkin’ contradiction, partly truth and partly fiction,
Takin’ ev’ry wrong direction on his lonely way back home.He has tasted good and evil in your bedrooms and your bars,
And he’s traded in tomorrow for today
Runnin’ from his devils, lord, and reachin’ for the stars,
And losin’ all he’s loved along the way
But if this world keeps right on turnin’ for the better or the worse,
And all he ever gets is older and around
>from the rockin’ of the cradle to the rollin’ of the hearse,
The goin’ up was worth the comin’ downHe’s a poet, he’s a picker
He’s a prophet, he’s a pusher
He’s a pilgrim and a preacher, and a problem when he’s stoned
He’s a walkin’ contradiction, partly truth and partly fiction,
Takin’ ev’ry wrong direction on his lonely way back home.
There’s a lotta wrong directions on that lonely way back home.