Jerusalem: An anthem for England

[Helvellyn]

Did anyone watch this programme on BBC4 last night?

What do people think of the ever increasing calls from people of all walks of life and faiths that Jersualem should be adopted as Englands Official Anthem?

For me I think the song is an awesome song that sums up exactly what England should be about and what we can have if everyone plays a part. There is no doubt in my mind that Jerusalem is the most powerful nationalist song on earth and what makes it stand head and shoulders above nearly all other National Anthems worldwide is the fact that it doesnt discriminate, It doesnt go on about how great we are, How great and mighty the country is/was or about some battle we won in the distant past etc..

The song stirs emotions and paints a truelly beautiful picture of the England we all aspire too. The question is can we create something devine?. There is no doubting the fact that William Blake when he wrote poem was inspired by the Glastonbury legend that Jesus whilst a young man accompanied Joseph of Arimathea to the land that we now call England...Know one can dispute it as no one knows if jesus ever existed.

So what are other peoples opinions on the song?

For anyone not from England or who does not know the song here are the lyrics:

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

[Babzzii]

I never watched the programme last night !!


I think its a great song and it has seemed to strike a chord with the
cricket fans !!

I like 'Land of Hope and Glory' but don't think its rousing enough !!

[mykfin]

Yes, after the England cricket supporters adopted the song i think it will popularity will spread, whether it it will take over as the national anthem im not sure, one can hope.