The Pilgrim

Album: A Matter of Life and Death (2006)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Written by Iron Maiden bass player Steve Harris and guitarist Janick Gers, this song is based on the story of the pilgrims who came to America on The Mayflower. The song can relate to anyone actively searching for something better in life.

Comments: 1

  • Sillyrabbit from San Antonio, TxThis song is a reference to the Crusades. Christians and Muslims who journey to visit the Holy Lands of Jerusalem or Mecca, respectively, are referred to as pilgrims. The lines "Pilgrim sunrise pagan sunset" and "kingdom of heaven to hell" may be alluding to the Christian exodus from Jerusalem in the 12th century. The line may also be a referece to the movie "Kingdom of Heaven" which also dealt with the story of one of the Crusades.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Charlie Daniels

Charlie DanielsSongwriter Interviews

Charlie discusses the songs that made him a Southern Rock icon, and settles the Devil vs. Johnny argument once and for all.

Dar Williams

Dar WilliamsSongwriter Interviews

A popular contemporary folk singer, Williams still remembers the sticky note that changed her life in college.

Carl Sturken

Carl SturkenSongwriter Interviews

Hitmaker Carl Sturken on writing and producing for Rihanna, 'N Sync, Christina Aguilera, Kelly Clarkson, Donny Osmond, Shakira and Karyn White.

Weezer

WeezerFact or Fiction

Did Rivers Cuomo grow up on a commune? Why did they name their albums after colors? See how well you know your Weezer in this Fact or Fiction.

Matt Sorum

Matt SorumSongwriter Interviews

When he joined Guns N' Roses in 1990, Matt helped them craft an orchestral sound; his mezzo fortes and pianissimos are all over "November Rain."

Intentionally Atrocious

Intentionally AtrociousSong Writing

A selection of songs made to be terrible - some clearly achieved that goal.