According to Judee Sill, at the BBC Recordings, between 1972-1973:
[…] It’s about everyone individually on their climb up, you know.
[Verse 1]
There's a rugged road on the prairie
Stretchin' all across the last frontier
There a stranger strives solitary
Blessed is the lonesome pioneer
[Chorus 1]
Roll on, roll on, roll on, night birds are flyin'
Come on, the light is gone, hope's slowly dyin'
Tell me how you come ridin' through
Still surveyin' the miles yet to run
On the long and lonely road to kingdom come
[Verse 2]
He can blaze a trail though the rumblin'
Dims his guiding light to just a spark
When the hour is low, he comes tumblin'
But when the moon is high he gives his heart
[Chorus 2]
Roll on, roll on, roll on, night birds are flyin'
Come on, the light is gone, hope's slowly dyin'
Tell me how you come ridin' through
Gainin' steady till this round is won
On the long and lonely road to kingdom come
[Verse 3]
People far below chasin' pleasures
Offer him directions on the run
Prophets on the path offer treasures
Though he's mighty hungry, he takes none
[Chorus 3]
Roll on, roll on, roll on, night birds are flyin'
Come on, the light is gone, hope's slowly dyin'
Tell me how you come ridin' through
Blindly faithful but followin' none
On the long and lonely road to kingdom come
[Verse 4]
When the sun goes down at the right time
He comes a-windin' through the purple haze
Just a feather's touch in the nighttime
But it'll color all my weary days
[Outro]
Shinin' finer than this earthly sun
On the ragged rugged road to kingdom come
On the ragged rugged road to kingdom come
There’s a Rugged Road was written by Judee Sill.
There’s a Rugged Road was produced by Henry Lewy & Judee Sill.