Jerusalem Anthem Lyrics And Words

Introduction to the Jerusalem Anthem

The Jerusalem Anthem, also known as “And Did Those Feet in Ancient Time,” is a poem by William Blake, later set to music by Charles Hubert Hastings Parry in 1916. It has become a hymn and an anthem, and its lyrics are deeply rooted in Christian mysticism and British culture. The poem was written in the early 19th century and is part of Blake’s collection “Milton: A Poem.” Over time, it has gained popularity and is now considered an iconic British hymn, often sung at public events, school assemblies, and church services.

Jerusalem Anthem Lyrics and Meaning

The lyrics of the Jerusalem Anthem are as follows:

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 these 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 & pleasant Land.

The lyrics invoke a sense of mysticism and spiritual longing, questioning whether Jesus Christ ever visited England and if the holy city of Jerusalem could be built in this land. The poem also touches on themes of industrialization and the contrast between the natural world and the Satanic Mills, which represent the dark, oppressive aspects of the Industrial Revolution.

History and Cultural Significance

The Jerusalem Anthem has a rich history and has become an integral part of British culture. It was first set to music by Charles Hubert Hastings Parry in 1916, during World War I, and was intended to boost morale and promote patriotism. Since then, it has been performed at numerous events, including the Last Night of the Proms, a classical music festival held annually in the Royal Albert Hall in London.

The anthem has also been adopted by various organizations and institutions, including the Women’s Institute, which has used it as its official anthem since 1924. It has been translated into several languages and has inspired numerous adaptations and parodies.

Notable Performances and Adaptations

The Jerusalem Anthem has been performed by many notable artists and choirs, including the BBC Singers, the Royal Choral Society, and the King’s College Choir. It has also been featured in various films, television shows, and documentaries, including the 1996 film “Brassed Off” and the 2012 Summer Olympics in London.

In addition to its traditional performances, the anthem has also been adapted and reinterpreted in various ways, including jazz arrangements, rock versions, and electronic remixes.

🎵 Note: The Jerusalem Anthem is a powerful and emotive hymn that has become an iconic part of British culture. Its lyrics and music evoke a sense of patriotism, spirituality, and longing, and it continues to be performed and adapted in new and innovative ways.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the Jerusalem Anthem is a timeless and evocative hymn that has become an integral part of British culture. Its lyrics and music are deeply rooted in Christian mysticism and British history, and it continues to inspire and uplift people around the world. Whether performed in a traditional or modern style, the Jerusalem Anthem remains a powerful symbol of hope, freedom, and spirituality.