The boys who make up the vocal band Libera have been described as “normal” and “ordinary.” However, as their recordings and performances demonstrate, the music they produce is truly extraordinary. With shimmering, mystical chords and ecstatic harmonies, they are unlike any other group you have ever heard. These are truly sounds to lift the soul, celestial sounds for a new time.
The singers of Libera, who are aged seven to sixteen, attend many different local schools in South London and come from a variety of backgrounds. Although they are boys and they sing, they do not think of themselves as choirboys, but rather as an alternative kind of boy band.
While the unique sound of Libera may be impossible to pigeonhole, its universal appeal has endeared the group to fans all over the world, particularly in the US, the UK, Korea and Japan, where their CDs top the mainstream and classical charts and where they pack concert halls appearing in their trademark flowing white robes on imaginatively lit stages.
Jerusalem
Libera Lyrics
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Walk upon England's mountain 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 there
Among those dark satanic mills
Bring me my bow of burning gold
Bring me my arrows of desire
Bring me my spear, O clouds unfold
Bring me my chariots of fire
I will not cease from mental fight
Nor shall my sword sleep in my hand
Till we have built Jerusalem
In England's green and pleasant land
Libera's song "Jerusalem" is a stirring ballad that speaks to the legend of the religious figure Jesus Christ walking through England's "mountain green" and bringing his divine grace to the country's "clouded hills." The opening lines of "And did those feet in ancient time, walk upon England's mountain green?" speak to the idea that the Son of God may have actually walked in England during his lifetime, a concept that has resonance for both religious scholars and English patriots alike. The song continues to describe the beauty of the country's natural landscapes, referred to as "pleasant pastures," and poses the question of whether Christ was truly present there.
The second stanza sees the singer calling upon divine weapons, referencing the Bible's depiction of God's power and judgment. The bow of burning gold, arrows of desire, and chariots of fire all symbolize the strength and force necessary to bring about change and instill a righteous path. The final two lines, "I will not cease from mental fight, nor shall my sword sleep in my hand, Till we have built Jerusalem In England's green and pleasant land," reflect the idea that despite the difficulty and struggle of life, persevering in the pursuit of a better future and a just society is necessary.
Overall, "Jerusalem" is a powerful tribute to the enduring British myth of Jesus walking through England and to the tenacity and perseverance of the country's people in the face of adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
And did those feet in ancient time
Did the presence of God manifest in England in the past?
Walk upon England's mountain green
During His manifestation, did the feet of God tread upon the picturesque green mountains of England?
And was the holy Lamb of God
Did God's holy manifestation include the presence of the Lamb of God?
On England's pleasant pastures seen
Was the holy Lamb of God, during His manifestation, seen on the green and pleasant pastures of England?
And did the countenance divine
Did God's divine presence shine?
Shine forth upon our clouded hills
Did God's divine presence shine on the hills of England, even if they were clouded?
And was Jerusalem builded there
Was a holy city, like Jerusalem, built in England?
Among those dark satanic mills
Was this holy city built even with the dark forces of industry that existed at the time?
Bring me my bow of burning gold
Give me the powerful weapon to fight this battle.
Bring me my arrows of desire
Bring me the arrows that symbolize my strong desires to achieve this goal.
Bring me my spear, O clouds unfold
Let the clouds part and unfold so that I may take up my spear as well.
Bring me my chariots of fire
Provide me with the powerful chariots that will help me win this fight.
I will not cease from mental fight
I will continue to fight this battle, both physically and mentally.
Nor shall my sword sleep in my hand
I will always be ready to use my sword, even if it means never putting it down.
Till we have built Jerusalem
Until we have succeeded in building a holy city like Jerusalem.
In England's green and pleasant land
In a picturesque and pleasant land like England.
Contributed by Kaylee C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Alexander Toporov
on Lacrymosa
Amazing!