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.

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I’m a pilgrim, and I’m a stranger;
I can tarry, I can tarry but a night.

There the glory is ever shining;
Oh, my longing heart, my longing heart is there;
Here in this country so dark and dreary,
I long have wandered forlorn and weary.

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There’s the 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.

Refrain

Farewell, neighbors, with tears I’ve 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?

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Father, mother, and sister, brother!
If you will not journey with me, I must go!
Now since your vain hopes you will thus cherish,
Should I, too, linger, and with you perish?

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Farewell, drear earth, by sin so blighted,
In immortal beauty soon you’ll be arrayed;
He who has formed thee will soon restore thee,
And then the dread curse shall nevermore be.

Refrain