I Am a Pilgrim

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"I Am a Pilgrim" is a traditional Christian hymn from the United States, first documented in the mid-19th century. It forms part of the repertoire of gospel, folk, and bluegrass artists.

The song combines elements from an "[o]ld hymn entwined with Poor Wayfaring Stranger (Sacred Harp - 1844). It appears in The Southern Zion's Songster (1864) and in Hymns For the Camp (1862)."^[1] The song references or alludes to several Bible passages, including "If I could touch the hem of his garment" which references Matthew 9:20 where a woman touches the hem of Jesus' robe and is healed.^[2] In July 1924 the song was first recorded by Norfolk Jubilee Quartet, an African American group. Prominent musicians such as The Byrds, Johnny Cash, and Merle Travis have recorded the song.

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