5. I’m A Pilgrim, 1869

1
I’m a pilgrim, and I’m a stranger;
I can tarry, I can tarry but a night;
Do not detain me, for I am going
To where the fountains are ever flowing.
CHORUS
I’m a pilgrim, and I’m a stranger;
I can tarry, I can tarry but a night.
2
Of that city, to which I journey;
My Redeemer, my Redeemer is its light!
There is no sorrow, nor any sighing,
Nor any tears there, nor any dying.
3
There the glory is ever shining!
O, my longing heart, my longing heart is there;
Here in this country so dark and dreary,
I long have wandered forlorn and weary.
4
Father, mother and sister, brother,
If you will not journey with me, I must go!
For since your vain hope you still will cherish
Should I, too, linger, and with you perish?
5
Farewell neighbors, with tears I warned you.
I must leave you, I must leave you, and be gone!
With this your portion, your heart’s desire.
Why will you perish in raging fire?
6
Farewell, drear earth, by sin so blighted,
In immortal beauty soon you’ll be arrayed;
For He who formed thee will soon restore thee,
From sin and death to praise and glory.