It is fun to analyze the songs of Steve Earle.  His knowledge of history, his sense of justice, his beliefs about right and wrong, and his compassion for human weakness make his songs speak with a voice that is in many ways transcendent.  His lyrics can be five-year-old simple or tenured-professor complex.  That is what makes him the songwriter that he is.



"Pilgrim" is a song with extremely simple, rote lyrics.  Steve included it in the album, Mountain, which he recorded with the renowned bluegrass group, the Del McCoury Band.  The album is dedicated to Bill Monroe, a bluegrass pioneer, who died in 1996.  The songs are all bluegrass flavored and "Pilgrim" evokes gospel and spiritual music.  Tempo is 4/4, about 72 beats per minute.


I am just a pilgrim on this road, boysI am just a pilgrim on this road, boysI am just a pilgrim on this road, boysThis ain't never been my home
Sometimes the road was rocky along the way, boysSometimes the road was rocky along the way, boysSometimes the road was rocky along the way, boysBut I was never travelin' alone
Well meet again on some bright highwaySongs to sing and tales to tellBut I am just a pilgrim on this road, boysUntil I see you fare thee well
Ain't no need to cry for me, boysAin't no need to cry for me, boysAin't no need to cry for me, boysSomewhere down the road, you'll understand
Cause I expect to touch his hand, boysI expect to touch his hand, boysI expect to touch his hand, boysI'll put a word in for you if I can
Well meet again on some bright highwaySongs to sing and tales to tellBut I am just a pilgrim on this road, boysI am just a pilgrim on this road, boysI am just a pilgrim on this road, boysUntil I see you fare thee well
I am just a pilgrim on this road, boysI am just a pilgrim on this road, boysI am just a pilgrim on this road, boysUntil I see you fare thee well
I am just a pilgrim on this road, boysI am just a pilgrim on this road, boysI am just a pilgrim on this road, boysUntil I see you fare thee well


It is a first-person narrative by one who identifies himself as a "pilgrim," a presumably religious traveler,  without giving the listener any information as to the nature of his pilgrimage except that he is seeking to "touch his hand."  There is no clue as to the nature of the hand's owner.  

The narrator says that he, himself is "just" a pilgrim.  Not a prophet, not a preacher, just a "pilgrim."

Each verse repeats its initial line three times followed by a fourth line that elucidates the thought in the repeated lines.  It is not easy to speculate the details of the scene.  One might visualize a Christian pilgrim at some time in the last 2000 years, headed to Jerusalem.  One might be reminded of Muhammad, who made more than one pilgrimage, and the millions of his followers who make the pilgrimage to Mecca today.  One might consider the Children of Israel and their pilgrimage to the Promised Land.  There are few clues to identify a time and specific purpose.  Perhaps we can paraphrase and find meaning.

"I am a traveler, probably on foot,  and I have never felt at home in the world.  The trip has been difficult but I have always felt a protective presence while traveling.  I will see you again somewhere down the road and we will sing and tell stories of our adventures.  You do not need to feel bad for me.  I know you do not know why right now, but one day, you will.  I am going to find what I am looking for and my physical contact with 'his hand' will be a healing touch.  If I get a chance, I will tell him about you and I will speak highly of you when the time comes."

We never know whom he is addressing.  It might be a fellow traveler or one met along the way.  The song is written in such a way that practically anybody can identify in some way with it.  He gives the listener just enough information to draw him in but not enough to answer his questions.



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