Jerusalem (And did those feet in ancient times)

And did those feet in ancient times is a poem written during the first decade of the 19th Century by William Blake. It was put to music in 1916 by Sir Hubert Parry, and is now better known as the hymn Jerusalem.

Cultural significance

The Dark Satanic Mills refer to factories and conditions therein of the early Industrial revolution. Ironically many of these well built buildings survive today and are listed buildings, local landmarks and even World heritage Sites.

Bring me my Chariot of fire, a biblical reference to the prophet Elijah.

Chariots of Fire is a 1981 film about the experiences of two athletes in the 1924 Olympics. Harold Abrahams and Eric Liddell, a pious Christian who refused to run on Sundays.

The song is sung annually at The Last Night of the Proms.

English National Anthem?

England is the only Constituent Country of the United Kingdom without an official National Anthem (Or its own Parliament, but that's a different matter) and Jerusalem is the main and most popular contender, even having the backing of David Cameron but it has never been made official.[1]

Text of the poem

And did those feet in ancient time.
Walk upon Englands mountains green:
And was the holy Lamb of God,
On Englands 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 Englands green and pleasant Land.

Reference: "Hymns Ancient and Modern" Ed. 1861