I have listened to this about 50 times in the last two days, I have not been as moved and as inspired by a song in years! The raw emotion in the lead singer's voice and harmonies by the group leaves me speechless! I am an African American that grew up in a church with this kind of music. The Soul Stirrers are part of the history of this country.
Doing the same in 2023 traveling through this barren land doing the best I can The soul stirrers ❤ we need more older gospel groups like this and these hymns in rotation with meaning
The emotion of the lead singer and harmonies are absolutely stunning! I'm not really religious but this moved me. I can see why the Soul Stirrers are in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Whwen I hear this song I think of my next door neighbor, her motheris a pastor and she always played this song. I never knew the name of the song but all these years I remembered the melody and the word Pilgrim. May God truly BlessYou for posting this song.
Whooo! I’m a pilgrim [I’m a pilgrim] And a stranger [And a stranger] Travelin through [travelin through] This ole barren land [Barren land] I got a home [I got a home] In yonder city, Lord And I will do The best I can Chorus: (repeated with group responses as above) I’m a pilgrim Nothin but a stranger Everyday I’m travelin this ole barren land But I got a home In yonder city Lord And I’ll do the best I can Verse 1 (Group humming as counterpoint to the soloist) I’ve been tempted, Lord I’ve been tried I’ve been discouraged On every side. While travelin through this land, Lord Lord I’ll do [Lord I’ll do] the best I can. [The best that I can] Chorus: Lord, I’m a pilgrim [I’m a pilgrim] And I’m a stranger [I’m a stranger] Don’t you know I’m travelin [I’m travelin] This ole barren land [Barren land] But I’m not worried [I’m not worried] I’ve gotta home [I’ve got a home] Somewhere yonder city [In yonder city] And I’ll do the best I can. Verse 2: (When I) Get to River Jordan With the tide I can see Canaan on the other side When I get there Take my stand Lord I’ll do [Lord I’ll do] The best I can [the best that I can] Chorus: Lord, I am a pilgrim Yes! Travelin through this ole barren land But I’m not worried I gotta home Somewhere in yonder city And I’ll do the best I can.
Paul Foster was the background and glue that held this group together from R H Harris, Sam and Johnny Taylor… taught them all the Soul along with J W Alexander!! FACTZ !!🙏
When Sam Cook decided to leave the group and go pop he asked Rev Foster to join him. He refused and chose to remain faithful to his calling. He was my favorite gospel singer. I thought his powerful style and muscular voice surpassed Cooke.
The Stirrers had a VERY long run, with a varied and star studded lineup. Sam was awesome, but Rev Paul Foster, he could go with the best. One of my all time favorite singers, virtually unknown by the general public. This clip is also proof that we are losing something in recording these days. Compare this live TV version to the album cut and you will see what I mean.
Yes, Wade in the Water is on YOU TUBE also...you need to listen to "He's been a Shelter" Totally off the hook! I am like you..since I heard Paul, can't get enough! He is smooth..but anointed
Thanks so much for posting this classic gem from one my favorites from back in the day, The Soul Stirrers. Pure talent and some shonuf churchin' music. Love it!
you really got to be a pilgrim to understand what he,s singing about .this old world is not my home I'm just traveling. thought .my home is over in glory amen .
@kpitt1204 gospels are sung from the heart and experiences of black people. where could these people turn when there were no courts, guardians for their spirits or the love of kin from whose bosoms they were torn? i know i couldn't have made it. that's why gospel is what it is. loved the organ, too. organs are a standard, y'all. :)
Yeah man Paul Foster,Richard Gibbs,Jimmy Outler,Leroy Crume,J.J.Farley Yo I actually played the drums for the Soul Stirrers(Leroy,Auther &DilliardCrume,Frank &James Davis not related)Word they called me Youngblood, I sucked but they still called me back, I didn't want to because of Step By Step the greatest accupella quartet, out of Cordele,Ga!!!I like ya'll style!!!!!!
I am a jamacain just a months ago i came across these guys 👦especially Eddie Huffman even thou he dies and Sam cook's i just 💘them all of the singers in that makes up this group 💔alll they 🎵songs Listen to them every night 🌙 in time i can 👀see its was record but is anyone carrying bathon so to make 💿cd of those song 🎵
These guys are very lucky to have the spirit in them. The pilgrim's spirit is not for the faint of heart. One must over come sudden rushes of euphoria and more spirit to perform for others. So strong is the luck witin that spirit, I could barely begin to type this. Luckily, we are now braced with this sentence afterwards.
I love all the Soul Stirrers formations, Melanie, but I think my favorite is when LeRoy, Dillard and Arthur Crume were in the lineup at the same time. I feel nearest to God when that groups sings.
