Pilgrim (Eric Clapton song)

Lore & Background

The song originated from a jam session between Eric Clapton and Simon Climie in the late 1990s. Clapton described the writing process as emerging from an atmosphere created by his guitar and Climie's keyboards, with words coming to him that reflected personal circumstances involving a painful, obsessive relationship cycle. He noted that the song deliberately borrowed from Curtis Mayfield as a way of thanking him for inspiration. The duo used drum loops derived from a hit record, which they modified to create the song's foundation.

Reader's Guide

The song features lead vocals and guitar by Eric Clapton, with organ by Paul Carrack, synth bass (possibly) and drum machine by Simon Climie, backing vocals by Chyna Whyne and Climie, and strings performed by The London Session Orchestra with arrangements by Nick Ingman. It was produced by Clapton and Climie, engineered by Alan Douglas with assistance from Adam Brown, and mixed by Mick Guzauski. A music video was released in 1998 and continues to be broadcast on MTV, VH1, and Much Music; it was also included on the DVD for the 1999 compilation album Clapton Chronicles: The Best of Eric Clapton.

Did You Know?

• The song was written and recorded in the keys A minor and C major.
• Clapton said the song deliberately borrowed from Curtis Mayfield as a way to say thanks for inspiration.
• The duo used a drum program derived from a hit record, which they altered to create the song.
• The music video is still broadcast on MTV, VH1, and Much Music.