Jerusalem
Royal Choral Society Bbc Concert Orchestra AND Barry Wordsworth Lyrics

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And did those feet in ancient time
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 here
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 chariot 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 an

Overall Meaning

"Jerusalem" is a poem by William Blake that was published in 1804. The words, coupled with a popular tune, have made this song a part of the cultural heritage of the UK for centuries. The song describes a mythical vision of England, where Jesus himself comes to the country's green pastures and builds a new Jerusalem among the industrial mills in the north. The singer of the song, filled with energy and enthusiasm, declares that he will continue his mental battle until England's people bring the lofty vision to fruition.

Line by Line Meaning

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

Walk upon England's mountain green?
Were the mountains of England once walked on by someone?

And was the holy Lamb of God
Was a holy lamb of God on England's pleasant pastures?

On England's pleasant pastures seen?
Did someone see the lamb of God on England's pleasant pastures?

And did the countenance divine
Did a divine face radiate light on England's cloudy hills?

Shine forth upon our clouded hills?
Did a divine light shine down on England's cloudy hills?

And was Jerusalem builded here
Was the city of Jerusalem actually built here in England?

Among those dark satanic mills?
Did Jerusalem get built in the midst of the dark and evil mills of England?

Bring me my bow of burning gold!
I want my bow made of glowing gold!

Bring me my arrows of desire!
I want my arrows that I passionately desire!

Bring me my spear! O clouds, unfold!
Bring me my spear! Oh, clouds, move aside!