Kristoffer Kristofferson (born June 22, 1936) is an American singer-songwri… Read Full Bio ↴Kristoffer Kristofferson (born June 22, 1936) is an American singer-songwriter and actor. Among his songwriting credits are the songs "Me and Bobby McGee", "For the Good Times", "Sunday Mornin' Comin' Down", and "Help Me Make It Through the Night", all of which were hits for other artists.

In 1985, Kristofferson joined fellow country artists Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash in forming the country music supergroup The Highwaymen, and formed a key creative force in the outlaw country music movement that eschewed the Nashville music machine in favor of independent songwriting and producing. In 2004, Kristofferson was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. As an actor, he is known for his roles in Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid (1973), Blume in Love (1973), Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore (1974), A Star Is Born (1976) (which earned him a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor), Convoy (1978), Heaven's Gate (1980) and Blade (1998).

Kristofferson has said that he would like the first three lines of Leonard Cohen's "Bird on the Wire" on his tombstone:

Like a bird on the wire
Like a drunk in a midnight choir
I have tried in my way to be free

Pilgrim's Progress
Kris Kristofferson Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Am I young enough to believe in revolution?
Am I strong enough to get down on my knees and pray?
And am I high enough on the chain of evolution
To respect myself, and my brother and my sister
And perfect myself in my own peculiar way?

I get lazy, and forget my obligations
I'd go crazy if I paid attention all the time

And I want justice, but I'll settle for some mercy
On this holy road through the universal mind

I get lazy, and forget my obligations
I'd go crazy if I paid attention all the time
And I want justice, but I'll settle for some mercy
On this holy road through the universal mind

Am I young enough to believe in revolution?
Am I strong enough to get down on my knees and pray?
And am I high enough on the chain of evolution
To respect myself, and my brother and my sister
And perfect myself in my own peculiar way?

I got lucky: I got everything I wanted
I got happy; there wasn't nothing else to do
And I'd be crazy not to wonder if I'm worthy
Of the part I play in this dream that's coming true

Am I young enough to believe in revolution?
Am I strong enough to get down on my knees and pray?
And am I high enough on the chain of evolution

To respect myself, and my brother and my sister
And perfect myself in my own peculiar way?

Overall Meaning

Kris Kristofferson's song Pilgrim's Progress is a contemplation on the meaning of life and one's place in it. The singer asks whether he is young enough to believe in revolution, questioning whether he still has faith in the idea of change and revolution that might bring about a better world. He then wonders if he is strong enough to pray, acknowledging the power of faith and the need for humility. He's asking if he is evolved beyond ego and selfishness and if he can "respect myself, and my brother and my sister and perfect myself in my own peculiar way." He then admits his weaknesses, recognizing his tendency to get lazy and forget his obligations, and how he can't always pay attention to the injustices that happen in the world. However, he still wants justice, but in the end, he's willing to settle for mercy on this holy road through the universal mind. The song ends on a contemplative note, with the realization that the singer must also question himself and his place in life as part of this dream that's coming true.

The song's theme of spiritual questioning and introspection reflects Kris Kristofferson's experiences as a former philosophy student and his personal journey towards finding meaning and purpose in life. The lyrics draw on philosophical and religious themes as well as personal experiences and observations, creating a broadly relatable message that speaks to the human condition.

Line by Line Meaning

Am I young enough to believe in revolution?
Do I still have enough faith in change and progress to fight for a better future?

Am I strong enough to get down on my knees and pray?
Do I have the strength to humble myself and surrender to a higher power when I need guidance or support?

And am I high enough on the chain of evolution to respect myself, and my brother and my sister and perfect myself in my own peculiar way?
Have I evolved enough as a human being to treat myself and others with kindness and understanding, and to continue growing and improving in my own unique path?

I get lazy, and forget my obligations
I often neglect my responsibilities and become complacent.

I'd go crazy if I paid attention all the time
Constantly being aware of all the problems and injustices in the world would be overwhelming and unbearable for me.

And I want justice, but I'll settle for some mercy
Although I desire fairness and equality, I am willing to accept some leniency and compassion as well.

On this holy road through the universal mind
In this journey of enlightenment and understanding of the world and ourselves.

I got lucky: I got everything I wanted
I am grateful for my good fortune and feel satisfied with my life.

I got happy; there wasn't nothing else to do
Once I achieved my goals and found contentment, I didn't know what else to pursue.

And I'd be crazy not to wonder if I'm worthy of the part I play in this dream that's coming true
It's natural for me to question if I am deserving of my success and if I am doing my part in creating a positive reality.

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