Pilgrim’s Hands

Song Meaning

The lyrics present a playful, almost theatrical negotiation of physical intimacy, framing it within a religious metaphor. Jason initiates by comparing his hand to a profane touch on a holy shrine, immediately setting up a tension between sacred and secular desire. His lips are then introduced as "two blushing pilgrims" ready to offer a "tender kiss" to "soothe that rough touch," suggesting a desire to move beyond mere touch to something more intimate. Peter's response cleverly twists Jason's religious imagery back on itself, arguing that Jason's hand is already showing "mannerly devotion." He points out that saints' hands are touched by pilgrims, and that "palm to palm is holy palmers' kiss," implying that their current touch is already a form of sacred connection. This creates a delightful push-and-pull, where Peter acknowledges the devotion but subtly redirects the expected progression of intimacy. The core of the exchange lies in Jason's direct challenge: "Have not saints lips, and holy palmers too?" This question cuts through the elaborate metaphor, directly asking for the next step. Peter's initial reply, "Ay, pilgrim, lips that they must use in prayer," attempts to maintain the religious facade, suggesting lips are for devotion, not physical affection. However, Jason's final plea, "Let lips do what hands do / They pray, grant thou lest faith turn to despair," is a masterful turn. He argues that their lips should perform the same devotional act as their hands, effectively equating kissing with prayer and demanding that Peter grant this "prayer" to prevent his "faith" (desire) from turning to "despair."