Pilgrim from Progress by Rory Friesen

Written around the turn of the millennia after reading John Bunyan's 'The Pilgrim's Progress' for the first time. Lyrically, it adopts some of the linguistic nature of the period in which the novel was published and unfolds many of the characters, their qualities, and purposes. The heart of the book beats within the song's self-examining questions, exhortation, and warnings.
And somebody told me they could tell that I've listened to a bit of 'Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young' after hearing this one. They may be right.

Tracklist

1.	Pilgrim	4:52

Lyrics

(lyrics)

Wherefore doest thou go pilgrim upon the road?
Do you fear it?
Ah, but don't you fear it,

Do you know the Lord of the land we cross?
Will your steps lead up the hill to the city,
To the Celestial City?

Have you dwelt in The Valley of Humiliation?
Did that scoundrel Shame walk you through it?
Oh, how he took it to me,
Then he really put me to it.

But, Valiant for Truth and Honesty,
They stuck close through despondency,
And, oh Christiana, how she cared for my progress.

May the fairness of Piety and Prudence,
And the beauty of Mercy and Faithful be a homage to the relief from our burdens and the blood that did lift it.

For when we get to the river with our invitation,
We'll sing for joy in spite of the mystery,
And we'll keep our gaze fixed on the city,
The King of the city.

Wherefore doest thou go pilgrim upon the road?
Do you journey to the wedding?
For to banquet in the city?

The bitter will come before the sweet,
Friend and foe you're sure to meet,
But stay, don't turn to the left or right,
Stay, don't turn.

Credits

from Progress, released July 16, 2020
Words and Music by Rory Friesen
Performed, Recorded, Mixed and Mastered by Rory Friesen

License