The Pilgrim, Chapter 33 by Kris Kristofferson as seen on PBS

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' out o' 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, an' he's a picker, he's a prophet, an' 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 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, an' he's a picker, he's a prophet, an' 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 lot of wrong directions, on that lonely way b

[marlenef]

This man hasn’t written a song that I don’t like. Such a great storyteller ❤

[natlee]

Some people didn't like his voice, but I loved it ! His voice fit all his songs well. RIP KRIS ❤

[JacobTanks]

What I like about this show (PBS) is that it doesn’t feel like it’s a concert, and there’s no borderline between the audience and Kris and the band. Looks more like if Kris were to pick his guitar and sing his songs in the circle of his buddies, and a keyboardist and a bassist joined him slowly, just to have a good time. 🙂

[williamhutcheson]

Fantastic lyricist. Great mental imagery.

[CharlesPutnam-bh]

When I was a young man I liked to drink and pick guitar and the Pilgrim was one of my favorite songs. I had a buddy him and I would sing it in bars. Still picking but quit the drinking.

[howardhales]

Just heard of his passing. This had to be the first song of his I played. RIP Kris, you've always been the best friend I never met.

[marlanewman]

Loved his voice so gruff. Soulful. Real. His music reflected his life. RIP.

[georgecairns]

I have been a fan of his since the first time I heard him, but this is the first time I have ever heard this song. Awesome

[lindseyfyfe]

that key change reminds me of how my dad played. RIP, Kris Kristofferson and thanks for all the great songs.

[patriciajrs]

We loved you Kris. Hard to believe that you're gone. RIP. We'll miss you.

[terrid]

Poet laureate of country music . . . .

[lucylafountine]

Thanks for the music and the memories Kris. Rest easy ❤

[thomasboardman]

Just my opinion. One of America's greatest poets. My favorite poet. A Silver Tongued Devil.

[janhensley]

Much love and respect. Great wordsmith. Legend. RIP Kris 💔🎶

[gervais.d]

My idols are all gone now.

We still have Willie.
R.I.P KRIS

[dbergum]

RIP Chris, Heaven gained another Highwayman...

[TheCowboylogic]

Kristofferson.
The Poet Laureate of my time.

[lamarwalker]

He was Awesome!! It's unreal what all he accomplished in his life before music and movies!

[anumitra]

A great American poet, who touched us with his incomparably beautiful songs. Rest in peace, Kris. We are grateful to have your music.

[billlong]

I totally agree with an earlier post He is Americas greatest poet I am a old man drinking beer and listening to songs I have heard for 50 years