The lyrics of "Pilgrimage" talk about the idea of taking a turn for the worst, keeping hate at a distance, finding luck in pilgrimage, and speaking in tongues. The repeated lines emphasize the importance of these themes.

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Meaning of "Pilgrimage" by R.E.M.


The lyrics of "Pilgrimage" seem to touch on themes of uncertainty, perseverance, and spirituality. The idea of "taking a turn for the worst" could signify facing challenges or unexpected situations in life. Keeping hate at a distance and embracing pilgrimage can be seen as a way to find inner peace and growth. The mention of a two-headed cow can symbolize duality or uniqueness in one's journey. The repeated references to speaking in tongues and broken lips could represent the difficulty of expressing oneself or communicating effectively. Overall, the song appears to urge listeners to stay strong in the face of adversity, keep negativity away, and find solace in personal journeys, no matter how strange or challenging they may seem.