Kris Kristofferson is an iconic American country singer-songwriter, who has written and performed numerous hits throughout his illustrious career. Among his most beloved songs is The Pilgrim, Chapter 33, which was released in 1971 as part of his debut album Kristofferson. The song tells the story of a wandering musician on a journey of self-discovery, filled with love, loss, and redemption.
The Pilgrim, Chapter 33 is a song that has stood the test of time, and its popularity has led to numerous covers by other musicians, including Johnny Cash, Emmylou Harris, and Willie Nelson. The song’s title is a reference to the Bible’s book of Psalms, specifically chapter 33, which is a song of praise to God for his creation.
The song begins with the story of a wandering musician who travels the country playing his music wherever he goes. He has no real destination, and his only goal is to share his music with anyone who will listen. Along the way, he falls in love with a woman named Rita, who becomes the inspiration for many of his songs.
However, the musician’s journey is not without its hardships. He struggles with alcoholism and finds himself at a crossroads in his life. He realizes that he needs to make a change and sets out on a spiritual journey to find redemption.
The song’s lyrics are beautifully crafted, with each verse building upon the previous one. The chorus is especially powerful, with Kristofferson singing, “He’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 walking contradiction, partly truth and partly fiction / Taking every wrong direction on his lonely way back home.”
The song’s message is one of hope and redemption, speaking to anyone who has ever felt lost or alone. It reminds us that no matter how far we may wander, there is always a way back home. It’s a timeless classic of love, loss, and redemption that will continue to inspire and uplift listeners for generations to come.
In conclusion, Kris Kristofferson’s The Pilgrim, Chapter 33 is an iconic song that has touched the hearts of music fans around the world. Its themes of love, loss, and redemption are universal, and its message is one of hope and inspiration. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless power and the artistry of Kris Kristofferson.
Artist: Kris Kristofferson
Album: The Silver Tongued Devil and I
Released: 1971
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’ down
He’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’ down
He’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.
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