Ortega was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico near the banks of the Rio Grande. He started learning piano at eight years of age. Through his father's work with the United States Department of State, he also spent time in Ecuador and Barbados. It is from his heritage and classical training at The University of New Mexico where Ortega derives his sound, embracing country, classical, Celtic, Latin American, world, modern folk, and rustic hymnody. Fernando Ortega currently leads worship at Christ the King Anglican Church in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
His album Storm reached No. 197 on the Billboard 200 in 2002, and Christmas Songs reached No. 36 on the Billboard Christmas Album Chart in 2009.
City Of Sorrows
Fernando Ortega Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Still and deep
The sun rose at midnight
I was not asleep
I saw a man with a javelin
A carriage of steel
His eyes burned like sapphires
Wheels turning in wheels
I saw aluminum angels
Arrayed like a choir
Hailstones falling
Rivers of fire
By the waters of Babylon
I sank down in shame
Covered in ashes
I called out your name
Oh Jerusalem
City of thrones
The blood of your people
Still darkens the stones
City of sorrows
Spread on a hill
Bride of the prophets
They dream of you still
Kings in their armor
Swords in the sky
Storefronts of martyrs
Lined up to die
While in the streets of Jerusalem
Children in pain
Covered in ashes
I called out your name
Oh Jerusalem
City of thrones
The blood of your people
Still darkens the stones
City of sorrows
Spread on a hill
Bride of the prophets
They dream of you still
Oh Jerusalem
City of thrones
The blood of your people
Still darkens the stones
City of sorrows
Spread on a hill
Bride of the prophets
They dream of you still
Fernando Ortega's "City of Sorrows" is a haunting song that laments the state of Jerusalem and mourns the loss of her people. The opening lines reference the biblical story of the Babylonian exile, where the Jews were taken captive and forced to live by the waters of Babylon. The singer is struck by the beauty and stillness of the river even in the middle of the night, but his reverie is interrupted by the image of a fierce man holding a javelin and riding a carriage made of steel. His eyes burn like sapphires, and the wheels of his vehicle turn in unison, suggesting a terrifying power.
Line by Line Meaning
By the waters of Babylon
In a peaceful and still place alongside a river
Still and deep
Silent and profound
The sun rose at midnight
It was a paradoxical event
I was not asleep
I was fully conscious
I saw a man with a javelin
I observed a warrior with a deadly weapon
A carriage of steel
A strong vehicle made of metal
His eyes burned like sapphires
His eyes had a dazzling and radiant effect
Wheels turning in wheels
It was an intricate and complex mechanism
I saw aluminum angels
I perceived celestial beings made of a light and resistant metal
Arrayed like a choir
They were organized in harmonious ranks
Hailstones falling
There was a storm of ice
Rivers of fire
There was a deluge of flames
By the waters of Babylon
In the same place by the river
I sank down in shame
I felt humiliated and unworthy
Covered in ashes
I was dirty and ruined
I called out your name
I cried for your help
Oh Jerusalem
Addressing the city with reverence
City of thrones
A place of power and majesty
The blood of your people
The remains of past violence and suffering
Still darkens the stones
The memory of pain endures
City of sorrows
A place marked by tragedies
Spread on a hill
Built on a high and prominent landscape
Bride of the prophets
A beloved and sacred city for religious leaders
They dream of you still
Your significance remains vivid and desirable
Kings in their armor
Powerful rulers dressed for war
Swords in the sky
Weapons raised to intimidate
Storefronts of martyrs
Shrines honoring those who died for a cause
Lined up to die
Prepared to face death
While in the streets of Jerusalem
In the midst of the city's daily life
Children in pain
Innocent victims of injustice and conflict
Covered in ashes
Symbolizing their mourning and despair
I called out your name
Asking for divine intervention and salvation
Oh Jerusalem
Emphasizing the city's importance and meaning
City of thrones
A place of grandeur and leadership
The blood of your people
The cost of the city's history and legacy
Still darkens the stones
The shadows of the past remain
City of sorrows
A place traumatized by tragedy
Spread on a hill
Visible from afar, but also vulnerable
Bride of the prophets
A cherished and prophesied city
They dream of you still
The city's promise and potential continue to inspire
Writer(s): Fernando Ortega Copyright: Word Music LLC, Dejamesolo Music
Contributed by Kylie P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Janice Bultman Bogott
on Into Your Presence
Is there anywhere I can get the sheet music for piano for this song? I just love it!!