Jerusalem
Waynflete Singers Choir of Winchester Cathedral Timothy Byram-Wigfield Bournemouth Symphony Orchestr 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

d pleasant land.

The lyrics to the song "Jerusalem" by the Waynflete Singers Choir of Winchester Cathedral Timothy Byram-Wigfield Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra describe a vision of England as a holy land, where the feet of Christ once walked and the Lamb of God once grazed. The lyrics lament the state of England's "clouded hills" and "dark satanic mills," invoking the imagery of the Industrial Revolution's factories and mechanization. The singer then calls for a renewed effort to build "Jerusalem" in England's green and pleasant land, summoning his weapons and vowing to fight on until this vision is realized.

Line by Line Meaning

And did those feet in ancient time
Did Jesus once walk on the green hills of England?

Walk upon England's mountain green?
Did Jesus walk on green hills in England?

And was the holy Lamb of God
Did Jesus, the Son of God, appear?

On England's pleasant pastures seen?
Did He appear in England, on green pastures?

And did the countenance divine
Did His divine light and beauty shine?

Shine forth upon our clouded hills?
Did He shine on our gloomy hills?

And was Jerusalem builded here
Was the heavenly city, Jerusalem, built here?

Among those dark satanic mills?
Amongst these factories associated with evil?

Bring me my bow of burning gold!
Bring me my weapon of victory and power!

Bring me my arrows of desire!
Bring me my passionate will to win!

Bring me my spear! O clouds, unfold!
Bring me my weapon of war, and let the clouds disperse!