Composer

:

Traditional Spiritual

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Spiritual

Compose Date

:

before 1865

Average_duration

:

4:04

'Po' Pilgrim of Sorrow; or, A City Called Heaven' is a traditional spiritual that has been passed down through generations of African American communities. The exact date of its composition is unknown, but it is believed to have originated in the early 20th century. The song is typically performed as a solo or as a call-and-response between a lead singer and a choir. It is often sung in churches and at funerals, as it speaks to the struggles and hardships of life and the hope for a better afterlife. The song is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct characteristics. The first movement is slow and mournful, with the lead singer lamenting the difficulties of life and the pain of being separated from loved ones. The choir responds with a refrain of "I'm a pilgrim of sorrow, I'm left in this wide world alone." The second movement picks up the tempo and becomes more upbeat, with the lead singer proclaiming their faith in God and their belief in a better afterlife. The choir responds with a refrain of "I'm a pilgrim, and I'm a stranger, I can tarry, I can tarry but a night." The third movement is the most joyful and celebratory, with the lead singer proclaiming that they have reached their destination and are now in the city called Heaven. The choir responds with a refrain of "I'm a-going home to die no more, I'm a-going home to die no more." Overall, 'Po' Pilgrim of Sorrow; or, A City Called Heaven' is a powerful and emotional spiritual that speaks to the struggles and hopes of African American communities. Its timeless message of faith and perseverance continues to resonate with audiences today.

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