And did those feet in ancient time

And did those feet in ancient time is a poem by William Blake from the preface to his work Milton: a Poem (1804). Today it is best known as the hymn Jerusalem, with music written by C. Hubert H. Parry in 1916.

This is considered to be one of England's most popular patriotic songs, often being used as an alternative anthem. It is variously associated (thereby holding a rather odd position) with English nationalism, anti-modernism, post-modernism, socialist ideals, and Christianity. Jerusalem is the official anthem of the British National Party, British Women's Institute, and historically was used by the National Union of Suffrage Societies .

The text of the poem was inspired by the legend that Jesus, while still a young man, accompanied Joseph of Arimathea to Glastonbury via the nearby Roman port. Blake's biographers tell us that he believed in this legend. However, the poem's theme or subtext is subject to much sharper debate, probably accounting for its popularity across the philosophical spectrum.

The reference to "dark Satanic mills", is not, as many think, a reference to steel or textile mills (which scarcely existed at the time of writing), but a satirical reference to neolithic monuments such as Stonehenge, which Blake thought were Satanic. Other interpretations are that the line was a coded jibe at either the established Church or the (then) theologically dominated universities at Oxford and Cambridge.

It was covered by the band Emerson, Lake and Palmer on their album Brain Salad Surgery, where it appeared under the title "Jerusalem". Iron Maiden singer Bruce Dickinson recorded a much transformed version on his solo concept album about Blake, The Chemical Wedding.

Since 2004 it has been played at the beginning of England cricket matches.

Text

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 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 and pleasant land.

See also

civil religion; Deep England; UK topics

External link

Audio File