I'm A Pilgrim
Sam Cooke/The Soul Stirrers Lyrics


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A little blood and vomit on the car seat
And the tooth is sitting in my lap
Brother if you're hungry but not wounded
Then it's time to stop and check the map

Pilgrim, where's your head at
Are you paying the birds to sing
Well it won't work on the true path
Where the rich are growing wings

If the ancient wisdom came in bottles
I would tell my tarot where to go
But I don't know who would do the dishes
Cause I'd be laying wasted in the road

Pilgrim where's your head at
Are you paying the birds to sing
Meet me on the true path
I'll be dizzy from growing wings

My tears! My tears!
My kicking up the love dirt
I feel it's the only way

Pilgrim, what's you looking at me for?
My disaster has come and gone
Left me, by the roadside
With my shadow and one more song

Pilgrim, what's you looking at me for?
My disaster has come and gone




Left me, by the roadside
With my shadow and one more song

Overall Meaning

The song 'I'm a Pilgrim' by Sam Cooke/The Soul Stirrers appears to be reflecting on the journey of life, and the trials and tribulations that come with it. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the physical and emotional challenges one may encounter on their journey. The first lines describe a scene of physical injury, with blood and vomit on the car seat and a lost tooth. However, the message is not one of despair, but rather a call to attention - to stop and check the map, to reevaluate one's direction in life.


The second verse speaks to the idea of false promises and distractions. The reference to paying birds to sing suggests a futile attempt at controlling one's environment, attempting to create a false sense of peace or happiness. The true path, on the other hand, is one of growth and progress, where the rich are growing wings - a metaphorical reference to spiritual enlightenment and growth.


The third verse suggests a desire for clarity and insight, but an acknowledgement that this knowledge cannot be obtained through easy or convenient means. The reference to being wasted in the road implies a sense of vulnerability and surrender in the search for truth. The final lines of the song reinforce this theme of acceptance and resilience - a recognition that we all experience hardship and loss, but ultimately we must pick ourselves up and continue on, with our shadows and the music of our journey as our guide.


Line by Line Meaning

A little blood and vomit on the car seat
There are some signs of a struggle or injury in the car that the pilgrim is traveling in.


And the tooth is sitting in my lap
The tough journey has caused some physical loss that the pilgrim is carrying with them.


Brother if you're hungry but not wounded
If you are in good health but still feeling unfulfilled, it may be time to reevaluate your purpose.


Then it's time to stop and check the map
Take a moment to reassess your goals and direction in life.


Pilgrim, where's your head at
Are you focused and mindful of your journey, or are you lost in your own thoughts?


Are you paying the birds to sing
Trying to manipulate or control external factors to make the journey easier will not work on the true path.


Well it won't work on the true path
The true path requires hard work and introspection, not shortcuts or external rewards.


Where the rich are growing wings
True wealth and fulfillment come from personal growth and development on the journey.


If the ancient wisdom came in bottles
If there were an easy way to gain knowledge and enlightenment, the pilgrim would take it.


I would tell my tarot where to go
If there were an easy way to find direction and answers, the pilgrim would use it.


But I don't know who would do the dishes
Even if there were an easy way, there are still mundane tasks that must be done and responsibilities that cannot be avoided.


Cause I'd be laying wasted in the road
If the journey were too easy, the pilgrim would not be able to appreciate the growth and learning that come from overcoming challenges.


Meet me on the true path
Join me in working hard and focusing on personal growth and development.


I'll be dizzy from growing wings
As I continue on this journey, I will feel empowered and fulfilled by my own growth.


My tears! My tears!
Expressing emotions and experiencing moments of vulnerability is necessary for growth and healing.


My kicking up the love dirt
Showing love and kindness to oneself and others creates a more fulfilling and positive journey.


I feel it's the only way
The pilgrim believes that love and kindness are essential for a fulfilling journey.


Pilgrim, what's you looking at me for?
The other person is curious about why the pilgrim is looking at them.


My disaster has come and gone
Despite past struggles or failures, the pilgrim continues on their journey.


Left me, by the roadside
The pilgrim is continuing on their journey, but is no longer stopped by their past.


With my shadow and one more song
The pilgrim is content to continue their journey with their own company and a positive outlook for the future.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: MERLE TRAVIS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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