Where so many songwriters stretch for their highest notes, hoping to impress and astound, Duvekot bravely mines her deep reaches, where the dark feelings lurk. It softens her phrasing, leading us in with whispers, letting us know she believes every word she sings.
Her melodies seem like suddenly occurring thoughts, matching the hushed, conversational allure of her singing. They feel so immediate, so in synch with her lyrics; and yet also snugly rooted, oddly familiar, like memories you can't quite recall.
She sings, and writes, as if she thinks songs are important; not means to an end, but tools of survival. And for her, that's just what they are.
In 2006 Antje was a featured guest performer at the ten-year reunion concert of the contemporary Celtic band Solas, who performed two of her songs.
Jerusalem
Antje Duvekot Lyrics
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And all the infidels get in their cars
As a father is floating, ?
And driven into your heart
'Cause you live in a town that is delicate
Where old grudges run deeper than mud
Where peace is a term that is relative
Jerusalem, Jerusalem
Oh, you lie bleeding in the doorways of Eden
Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Jerusalem
Another city wakes up in the morning
You are the martyr who is taking the stage
You're laying flowers on the eyes of your brother
In his funeral parade
And you are filled with a love for your people
All your life you have drunk bitter milk
You say, "The ones who have wounded my brother
Are the ones I must kill"
Jerusalem, Jerusalem
Oh, you lie bleeding in the doorways of Eden
Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Jerusalem
Now the blood has run down to a stand
For generations, it's marked up the sand
Where the scars are as deep as the rivers
And as old as the land
Your god's armies, they are marching on heaven
In the name of what is holy and sacred
Casting poisonous seeds for their children to reap
Out of the rubbles of hatred
Jerusalem, Jerusalem
Oh, you lie bleeding in the doorways of Eden
Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Jerusalem
The song "Jerusalem" by Antje Duvekot is a commentary on the ongoing conflict between Israelis and Palestinians over the holy city of Jerusalem. It depicts the stark reality of the situation in the city, where violence and bloodshed are commonplace, and both sides are consumed by a desire for revenge.
The first verse sets the scene by describing the city waking up in the morning and the infidels getting into their cars – presumably heading to work. But the second line reveals that there is a father floating in the river, suggesting that violence has already taken place. The imagery of the father being "driven into your heart" adds to the sense of the violence being personal and affecting everyone in the city. The chorus then brings the focus to Jerusalem itself, which is depicted as lying "bleeding in the doorways of Eden", a powerful image that suggests the city is both holy and cursed.
The second verse introduces us to a martyr who is taking the stage, suggesting that the violence has now escalated to the point of suicide bombings and other forms of terrorism. The martyr is laying flowers on the eyes of his brother, who has presumably been killed in the violence. The line "all your life you have drunk bitter milk" suggests that this is a cycle that has been going on for generations, with both sides consumed by a desire for revenge. The final verse brings in the idea of religion, and how both sides are willing to fight and kill in the name of what is holy and sacred. The line "casting poisonous seeds for their children to reap" suggests that this cycle of violence will continue indefinitely, with each generation inheriting the hatred and anger of the one before.
Overall, "Jerusalem" is a powerful and poignant commentary on one of the most intractable conflicts in the world today. It highlights the human cost of the conflict, and the deep-seated emotions that keep it going.
Line by Line Meaning
So, a city wakes up in the morning
The beginning of a new day in a city.
And all the infidels get in their cars
Non-believers go about their daily routine.
As a father is floating, ?
Unclear/ambiguous
And driven into your heart
Causing pain or affecting deeply.
'Cause you live in a town that is delicate
Living in a place that requires care and sensitivity.
Where old grudges run deeper than mud
Hatred and animosity between people has lasted for long periods.
Where peace is a term that is relative
The word peace has different meanings depending on the person and situation.
And written in blood
Peace has been achieved through violent means.
Another city wakes up in the morning
A new day in a different city.
You are the martyr who is taking the stage
You are willing to fight and die for your beliefs.
You're laying flowers on the eyes of your brother
Putting respect and love for your deceased brother above all else.
In his funeral parade
The public display of mourning for your brother.
And you are filled with a love for your people
Deep affection for your community and those around you.
All your life you have drunk bitter milk
You have experienced hard times and struggles that have made you who you are.
You say, "The ones who have wounded my brotherAre the ones I must kill"
You believe in seeking revenge for the death of your loved ones.
Now the blood has run down to a stand
The violence and fighting has reached a point of equilibrium and little progress is being made.
For generations, it's marked up the sand
The history of bloodshed and hostility has been ingrained in the land.
Where the scars are as deep as the rivers
The emotional and physical wounds run just as deep as the waterways in the region.
And as old as the land
This is a long-standing problem that will not be easily resolved.
Your god's armies, they are marching on heaven
Religious people are fighting and dying for their beliefs, hoping to enter heaven.
In the name of what is holy and sacred
Their actions are justified by their religious convictions.
Casting poisonous seeds for their children to reap
The current generation is doing things that will have bad consequences for future generations.
Out of the rubbles of hatred
From the ruins of deep-seated animosity and resentment.
Jerusalem, Jerusalem
Repeated line referring to the titular city.
Oh, you lie bleeding in the doorways of Eden
Describing the violence and bloodshed occurring in what was once supposed to be paradise on earth.
Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Jerusalem
Repeated line referring to the titular city.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: ANTJE DUVEKOT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind