There is a haunting parallel In the current global war on the Coronavirus and the inspiration behind this Anzac Day song ‘Pilgrimage’, where every individual, every community, every town and every nation of the world is affected.
With the recent unprecedented cancellation of Anzac Day services, the first time ever since WW2, the imagery and sounds evoked in Kevin Sullivan’s song ‘Pilgrimage’ takes the listener on an emotional and yet uplifting journey. From the moment you hear the military cadence of the drums to the signature bugle sound, Kevin transports you to the Dawn Service as you look through the eyes of an old digger.
You can’t help but feel a little melancholy as you melodically drift to be standing on the beach at Anzac Cove as the sand runs through your fingers. The depth of the lyrics intensify when Kevin speaks about the Unknown Soldiers tomb lying beneath this hallowed earth.
The tempo dramatically changes as Kevin’s harmonic voice draws you passionately to be walking on the western front of France, the Kokoda trail and Vietnam.
Ironically, any pilgrimage or travel in the current climate is restricted, however the song is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made during the many military conflicts in history and the importance of uniting our planet as we now face the toughest challenges we have experienced in the hope that one day soon, we can again undertake a ‘Pilgrimage’.
