Jerusalem
Blake Lyrics


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And did those feet in ancient time
Walk upon England's mountains green?
And was the holy Lamb of God
On England's pleasant pastures seen?

And did the countenance divine
Shine forth upon our clouded hills?
And was Jerusalem builded here
Among those dark Satanic mills?

Bring me my bow of burning gold
Bring me my arrows of desire
Bring me my spear! Oh, clouds unfold!
Bring me my chariot of fire
I will not cease from mental fight
Nor shall my sword sleep in my hand




Til we have built Jerusalem
In England's green and pleasant land!

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of William Blake's "Jerusalem" have remained one of the most poignant and enigmatic of all English patriotic songs. "Jerusalem" was adapted from Blake's preface to "Milton: A Poem," and it affirms the poet's belief that a new age was dawning. The song refers to the legend of the young Jesus, who was said to have visited England with his uncle, Joseph of Arimathea. Blake asks "And did those feet in ancient time / Walk upon England's mountains green?" The song then asks whether the "holy Lamb of God" was seen on England's "pleasant pastures."


The second verse explains the countenance divine that shone on the "clouded hills" of England, and whether Jerusalem, which is symbolic of both heaven and England, was built in that same land among the "dark Satanic Mills." The final stanza is a call to arms, with Blake asking for his "bow of burning gold," and his "arrows of desire," his "spear," and his "chariot of fire."


Blake's "Jerusalem" has been regarded as a rallying cry since its creation. The song has become the unofficial anthem of England and is sung at political and sporting events. "Jerusalem" is an embodiment of the British identity, proclaiming pride in the country's history and beauty, and promoting the collective will of the country's citizens towards the future.


Line by Line Meaning

And did those feet in ancient time
Did someone walk in England's green mountains a long time ago?


Walk upon England's mountains green?
Did someone walk on the green mountains of England?


And was the holy Lamb of God
Was the holy Lamb of God really there?


On England's pleasant pastures seen?
Have we seen the holy Lamb of God on England's pleasant pastures?


And did the countenance divine
Did the divine face


Shine forth upon our clouded hills?
Shine on our clouded hills?


And was Jerusalem builded here
Was Jerusalem built here?


Among those dark Satanic mills?
Amongst those dark Satanic factories?


Bring me my bow of burning gold
Bring me my bow made of burning gold


Bring me my arrows of desire
Bring me my arrows of intense longing


Bring me my spear! Oh, clouds unfold!
Bring me my spear! Oh, clouds open up!


Bring me my chariot of fire
Bring me my chariot made of fire


I will not cease from mental fight
I will not stop fighting mentally


Nor shall my sword sleep in my hand
And my sword won't rest in my hand


Til we have built Jerusalem
Until we've built Jerusalem


In England's green and pleasant land!
In England's green and pleasant land!




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Traditional

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@millanjson2078

British SAS liberated my homeland 1944 🇳🇴❤🇬🇧
I am eternally grateful. I hope to sign my name on the Christmas tree gift we deliver :)

@gogledhol

Ever since i was a little child Norway has always been my dream country to visit, it's beautiful nature, cities, towns, history, music, folklore and people has always fascinated me and i hope someday to explore it. Have a great day 🇬🇧❤🇳🇴

@vintagebrew1057

My aunt married a Norwegian man after the war. Lovely man. I have cousins who visit. They love England. We are most grateful for the beautiful tree.

@kevinpierce3458

We gratefully appreciate the Christmas gift each year

@ghostofsomme2234

England. Among the top greatest countries. From Germany with love ✌

@happyapple4269

With love back.

@adamwhite1556

A petition needs to be started to make this England's official national anthem

@foundationgamer9771

It is

@raidertheconqueror3818

@@foundationgamer9771 where can I sign it

@raidertheconqueror3818

Certainly should be

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