Lyr Req: Jerusalem (The English Song)

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Jerusalem (The English Song)
From: JohnB
Date: 25 Jun 06 - 11:29 PM

Wasn't that version used in one of the new Radio Ballads put out by the BBC just this year? If so it was mentioned in another thread, I tried aquick search but found nothing.
JohnB

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Jerusalem (The English Song)
From: GUEST,David Arrowsmith
Date: 25 Jun 06 - 06:26 PM

A great version of jerusalem on Bob Davenports latest CD 'Common Stone' sung to a tune morris men will know, the rose tree, Bampton.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Jerusalem (The English Song)
From: GUEST,Joe_F
Date: 11 Sep 05 - 09:35 AM

Jerry R.: I think you mean *borstal* boys. Bothies are Scottish farmworkers' lodging houses.

--- Joe Fineman    [e-mail]

||: When a Scotsman moves to England, it raises the average of intelligence in both countries. :||

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Jerusalem (The English Song)
From: Le Scaramouche
Date: 11 Sep 05 - 07:20 AM

What would Blake say to the WI?

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Jerusalem (The English Song)
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 11 Sep 05 - 07:10 AM

And 'Calendar Girls'.....

LTS

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Jerusalem (The English Song)
From: Le Scaramouche
Date: 11 Sep 05 - 06:39 AM

And Monty Python.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Jerusalem (The English Song)
From: Le Scaramouche
Date: 11 Sep 05 - 06:38 AM

It also features in Chariots of Fire.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Jerusalem (The English Song)
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 11 Sep 05 - 05:59 AM

There's a wonderful scene in The Lonliness Of The Long Distance Runner where a whole auditorium of young "Bothy" Boys" (I think that's what they were called) in an English reform school sing this song with complete seriousness and great feeling. Very majestic and unexpected. I can't recall the words to the song, and perhaps it wasn't this one, but it was very moving.

One of my favorite movies..

Jerry

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Jerusalem (The English Song)
From: GUEST
Date: 11 Sep 05 - 04:36 AM

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 and pleasant land.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Jerusalem (The English Song)
From: GUEST,Allen
Date: 04 Jun 05 - 05:55 PM

The 'dark satanic mills' are NOT churches, but factories. They were destroying a way of life, driving people into horrific poverty and were foul blots on the landscape. This is a cry to arms, to create a better world. Blake was a radical, then and now.
Christ visiting England is a misreading I think, it's hard to explain, but feels more like he is talking of a lost ideal, to which we must return.
How using England makes it imperialist or jingoistic, I still haven't figured out.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Jerusalem (The English Song)
From: Snuffy
Date: 03 Oct 04 - 06:24 AM

Today being Apple Day, the Shakespeare Mummers will be performing the Apple Play at Mary Arden's House near Stratford upon Avon. At the end of the play we sing this song to celebrate England and her traditional apples. Most of the words are still Blake's, but the rest are mine.

JUICE-ALEM
From the Apple Day Mummers Play 1997

And did those teeth in ancient times crunch upon England's apples green?
And was the Bramley apple pie on England's dining tables seen?
And did the cider pure and strong pour forth in pints, and quarts and gills?
And did the apple bring good health to folks in dark satanic mills?

Bring me my Cox of burnished gold; bring me my Worcester, firm and sweet.
Bring me my Pippins, new or old; bring me some English fruit to eat.
I shall not eat that tasteless pomme, nor shall a French fruit soil my hand,
Till English apples rule again in England's green and pleasant land.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Jerusalem (The English Song)
From: Haruo
Date: 02 Oct 04 - 10:20 PM

Actually I think Blake titled his poem "Preface to Milton", not "Jerusalem". As written it had four stanzas, but as sung it has only two, because the tune used is twice as long as one of the original stanzas. (Compare singing "Come thou long-expected Jesus" to Stuttgart (4 stanzas) vs. Hyfrydol (2).

Haruo

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Jerusalem (The English Song)
From: Desert Dancer
Date: 02 Oct 04 - 09:57 PM

So we were watching Monty Python on DVD today and came upon the bed shop sketch, which led my son (age nine) to ask about the song, so here I am Mudcatting and Googling... and finding some answers to previous questions:

Why does the Women's Institute sing Jerusalem?

Sheet music, arranged by Philip Legge, and another arrangement, by Michael Winikoff (scroll down or use "find in page").

Also, this comment on the Pythons' use of the song in this sketch, and others, from this site:

Is there any significance behind the song "England's Mountains Green" (or whatever it's called)? It seems to be the only song anyone ever sings, outside of sketch-specific songs (like the Lumberjack Song).

[The song you talk of was originally a poem by William Blake called 'Jerusalem'. It speaks of the possibility of Jesus having visited England. The poem has four verses but you only ever hear the Monty Python boys sing the first one which goes, "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?" If there's any sort of in-joke connected to it's use, I'm not aware of it. It seemed to just be the standard song/hymn they used when a song was needed that wasn't sketch specific. Some of the sketches it appeared in were 'Salvation Fuzz/Church Police', 'Buying a Bed' and 'The Art Gallery Sketch'. Something that may be relevant, though, is that the only one who was present every time it was sung was Eric Idle. Perhaps he just liked it?]

~ Becky in Tucson

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Jerusalem (The English Song)
From: LindsayInWales
Date: 26 Apr 04 - 11:56 AM

There's another rather lovely song on the Jerusalam/Glastonbury theme, and that is "Bread And Fishes"..

By the way, I have the sheet music to The Holy City if anyone would like a copy

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Jerusalem (The English Song)
From: Schantieman
Date: 26 Apr 04 - 11:37 AM

The Monty Python sketch referred to by Christian in Syracuse aeons ago (above somewhere) was the bed shop sketch. Mr Verity (John Cleese I think) is a salesman in a bed shop. Every time anyone says 'mattress' to him he puts a paper bag over his head and the rest of the staff have to stand in a tea chest and sing 'Jerusalem'

See Buying a Bed

On a slightly different note, I (little me) wrote a third verse to Blake's Jerusalem many years ago and I'd like it to be sung - if it's any good.

And shall the joy be thus confined;
Cease at the bounds of England's shore?
Shall minds be closed and hearts unmoved
While mute starvation pleads for more?
This must not be - we shall fight on;
Our love extend - our greed destroy.
Then truly shall Jerusalem
The whole world o'er shout out her joy!

What do people think?

Steve

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Jerusalem (The English Song)
From: Burke
Date: 26 Apr 04 - 11:13 AM

Isn't this used in a brief scene in "Chariots of Fire?"

As a teenager I read the novel "Refuge in Avalon" by Marguerite Steedman, 1962 that must be based on the legends that Jesus went to England. It's a fictional life of Joseph of Arimathe. In it Jesus & Joseph of Arimathea (his uncle) go to Avalon when Jesus is a teenager. After the resurrection Joseph goes to England, with the grail. A staff he has, that was carved from him by Jesus, ends up taking root at the end.

It seems to combine a number of legends others have mentioned in the thread.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Jerusalem (The English Song)
From: GUEST,Risky Business
Date: 26 Apr 04 - 08:28 AM

Now I have to get in the fish tank and sing!

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Jerusalem (The English Song)
From: GUEST,Statesthebleedingobvious
Date: 26 Apr 04 - 08:02 AM

Why wouldn't Jesus come to England? It seems natural he would want to come to see where his father came from.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Jerusalem (The English Song)
From: Gurney
Date: 26 Apr 04 - 05:31 AM

The legend that Steve Parkes quotes above is also referred to in Neville Shute's novel 'No Highway,' where it is an article of faith (not Faith) of one of the main characters, a slightly mystic and eccentric scientist.
Good book, if dated. No criminals, spies, or graphic sex. Just ordinary folk in an extraordinary situation.

I've a faint memory of the 'Hosanna' Jerusalem hymn. Was it Catholic?

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Jerusalem (The English Song)
From: Georgiansilver
Date: 26 Apr 04 - 03:13 AM

Jerusalem is great and was my school hymn...King Edward V1 Grammar at Totnes.I was there in the1960's and the school closed soon after I had left. Anyone else go there???

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Other texts for Parry's "Jerusalem"
From: Haruo
Date: 25 Apr 04 - 03:14 AM

What other texts do you know of that are sung to the "JERUSALEM (PARRY)" tune?

There's a psalm (forget which one) set to it in the 1987 Psalter Hymnal of the Christian Reformed Church (a US Dutch-cum-Huguenot denomination). And I recently ran across this in the Yale University Press hymnal, A New Hymnal for Schools and Colleges (or vice versa?):

O day of peace

Carl P. Daw, Jr., 1982 (© Hope Pub. Co.)

1. 
   O day of peace that dimly shines through all our hopes and prayers and dreams,
   guide us to justice, truth, and love, delivered from our selfish schemes.
   May swords of hate fall from our hands, our hearts from envy find release,
   till by God's grace our warring world shall see Christ's promised reign of peace.
2. Then shall the wolf dwell with the lamb, nor shall the fierce devour the small;
   as beasts and cattle calmly graze, a little child shall lead them all.
   Then enemies shall learn to love, all creatures find their true accord;
   the hope of peace shall be fulfilled, for all the earth shall know the Lord.

Subject: Lyr Add: Jerusalemo
From: Haruo
Date: 25 Apr 04 - 03:05 AM

I just added a third Esperanto version of "Jerusalem" to my online hymnal:

JERUSALEMO

translated by William Auld (one of the most significant and prolific of 20th century Esperanto writers), published (Chapecó: Fonto, 1987) in a book entitled Omaĝoj (p. 10)

1. Pratempe en Anglujo ĉu
        Tramontis tiu piedpar'?
   Ĉu paŝtis sin la Diŝafid'
        Sur angla verdo de l' kampar'?
   
   Kaj ĉu prilumis Divizaĝ'
        Ĉi nubajn montojn kun elan'?
   Najbaris do Jerusalem'
        Uzinojn sombrajn de Satan'?
2. Donu pafarkon de la or'!
        Dezirosagojn en saguj'!
   Al mi la lanc'! La nubojn for!
        Flamĉaron mian donu tuj!
   
   Ne cedos mia mensa lukt',
        Nek mia glav' ripozos mem,
   Ĝis sur la verda angla ter'
        Stariĝos jam Jerusalem'.

The other two versions I have are "Ĉu antaŭ longe paŝis Li" from Himnaro Esperanta:

1. Ĉu antaŭ longe paŝis Li en mezo de la amikar' —
   La Diŝafido — tie ĉi sur Anglaj montoj kaj kampar'?
   Ĉu nigrajn montojn ĉirkaŭ ni briligis Divizaĝa lum'?
   Ĉu Jerusalem estis vi, infera fabrikeja fum'?
2. Alportu sagojn de dezir', kaj arkon el flamanta or',
   Kun fajra ĉaro de aspir' kaj mia lanc' — Ho nuboj, for!
   Laboros mi sen tim' aŭ trem' kun glavo preta por komand',
   Ĝis staros Nov-Jerusalem' en Angla bela verda land'.

and this version—not in the original meter, hence not singable to Parry's tune—by John Dinwoodie from Angla Antologio (vol. 1, p. 179):

Pratempe ĉu piedoj tiuj
     Sur la montverdon anglan paŝis?
Kaj ĉu la sankta Di-ŝafido
     En ĉarmaj kampoj sin malkaŝis?

Ĉu vere pro l' vizaĝo dia
     Lumetis niaj montoj nubaj?
Ĉu konstruiĝis Jerusalem
     Inter fabrikoj prem-inkubaj?

Portu al mi pafarkon mian
     Orflaman, sagojn de deziro,
Kaj lancon! Nuboj, disvolviĝu!
     Alportu ĉaron de sopiro!

Ne ĉesos mia lukto mensa,
     Nek glav' en mia man' enuos,
Ĝis en la verda land' Anglujo
     Ni Jerusalem finkonstruos.

I think Auld's is the best of the three, at least to sing.

Haruo

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Jerusalem (The English Song)
From: LadyJean
Date: 17 Jan 04 - 11:56 PM

The dark Satanic Mills Blake was writing about were churches. Jerusalem was inspired by the story that Christ came to England in company with an uncle who was in the tin trade. The headmistress of my school was an anglophile, so we sang the song a lot.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Jerusalem (The English Song)
From: Nigel Parsons
Date: 17 Jan 04 - 11:20 AM

Just to correct the lyrics in the early post, it is:
"And did those feet in ancient time" (i.e. no 's' at the end of the line!)
Nigel (pedant mode off!)

Tune (score & Midi) The Holy City

Nigel

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Jerusalem (The English Song)
From: The Shambles
Date: 17 Jan 04 - 09:34 AM

'Ad that William Blake, on my bus
'Ad a 'bow of burning gold'
I said " you can't bring that on 'ere
Didn't do what 'e was told
Produced these 'arrows of desire'
The passengers got quite fruity
Chucked 'im off before his sword woke up
Well, I 'ad to do 'me duty

Bugger me! I looked behind
Missiles 'shootin' past 'me ears
'E was riding this 'chariot of fire'
And 'chuckin all these spears
'E told the clouds - to unfold
'Then 'e overtook – the sod
I told 'im to get off and walk
'Im and the 'Lamb of God'!

I looked as 'e speed away
Over 'those 'clouded hills'
Me countenance - less than divine
I 'ad one of me pills
Thought about his building plans
Though I admire a man with vision
'E 'ad better not go building 'ere
Not without planning permission

Well Jerusalem has trouble enough
Don't think 'e will improve it
England's pastures green or not
Not the best idea to move it
Move 'the wailing wall' to Surrey?
Is 'e the one to try?
'Aint e' the bloke that rhymes
'Symmetry' with 'eye'?

Roger Gall 2004

Subject: RE: Lyrics For
From: AlistairUK
Date: 08 Apr 99 - 12:17 PM

Okay, just found this fascinating thread. Wasn't Blake part of the pre-Raphaelite movement. "Jerusalem"is certainly a call for simpler more majestic time, as the pre-raph's saw it, when chivalry and ecology were the prime movers. The chartists actually drew up what was to become the basis for socialist thought. They were formed to combat the unfair pay and conditions (especially from the leicestershire weavers) They drew up a charter of twelve basic rules for men(women still didn't figure very largely in there thoughts) that included the right to one man one vote. They were eventually hounded out of existance, but they paved the way for the Tolpuddle Martyrs and the socialist movement as a whole. There you go.

Subject: RE: Lyrics For
From: Ian Downhome Jones
Date: 08 Apr 99 - 11:40 AM

Oh, hush, Peter... true, the Beatles' music and album covers was created by the Imperialist Capitalist Hoo-Ha, but it's all part of the dialectical process... Capitalism containing the seeds of its own destruction and all that. I mean, Blake himself, as a mystic/religionist/utopian was advancing the reactionary values of the opiate of the masses, but remember, Marx and Engels, as members of the League of the Just, would have sung right along. And more power to 'em! Blake rocks! Kick ass! The Beatles also rock! John Lennon and the Plastic Ono Band (with the song "Working Class Hero") is probably the best album ever. People who snottily won't invite the Beatles or Blake or anybody else to the Party suck eggs. If we can use the enormous power of the spirit which causes thousands of girls to scream and scream and scream or the enormous power of Blake's poetry in the service of the Movement, then All Aboard! Yee-ha! Anarchy!

Subject: RE: Lyrics For
From:
Date: 06 Jan 99 - 09:54 AM

In the german television i saw last year "The last of Proms" and heard the first time this song. It is a wonderful melody an what a inspiration the people sang it! I was very touched. Sincerly Klaus

Subject: RE: Lyrics For
From: Ferrara
Date: 02 Dec 98 - 10:30 AM

Hi. Love this thread. The second song about Jerusalem is called The Holy City. We sang it for an assembly in 7th grade, and later I played it as a violin solo. Didn't think I'd ever forget the words, but had to look it up to get the whole thing. Found it here, but no tune:

http://www.magick.net/~action/lyrics.htm#holy

THE HOLY CITY
Original score
Copyright 1892 PD (5:29)

Last night I lay a-sleeping, there came a dream so fair;
I stood in old Jerusalem, beside the temple there;
I heard the children singing, and ever as they sang,
Me-thought the voice of angels from heav'n in answer rang
Me-thought the voice of angels from heav'n in answer rang.

Chorus Jerusalem, Jerusalem,
Lift up your gates and sing
Hosanna in the highest
Hosanna to your King!

And then me-thought my dream was changed,
the streets no longer rang,
Hush'd were the glad Hosannas the little children sang,
The sun grew dark with mystery,
the morn was cold and chill,
As the shadow of a cross arose upon a lonely hill,
As the shadow of a cross arose upon a lonely hill.

Chorus
Jerusalem, Jerusalem,
Lift up your gates and sing*
Hosanna in the highest,
Hosanna to your King!

And once again the scene was chang'd,
new earth there seem'd to be!
I saw the holy city beside the tideless sea;
The light of God was on its street;
the gates were open wide;
That all who would might enter in, and no one was denied.
No need of moon or stars by night, nor sun to shine by day;
It was the new Jerusalem, that would not pass away!
It was the new Jerusalem, that would not pass away.

Chorus

Jerusalem, Jerusalem,
Sing for the night is o'er,
Hosanna in the highest!
Hosanna forever more!

Hosanna in the highest!
Hosanna forever more

* -- I remember this line as "Hark how the Angels sing," but my memory is notorious....

If anyone's interested I'll try to hum the tune into the keyboard or something. No I don't do ABCMus and may have time to learn it around August 2002.

Subject: RE: Lyrics For
From: Graham Bartram
Date: 02 Dec 98 - 08:31 AM

I've just come across this thread as I was looking for the lyrics to "Jerusalem". There has been a rise in English "nationalism", following the European and World Cups where England competed alongside Scotland. By this I don't mean the National Front, but merely a recognition that they are English as well as British. The English flag has become very popular where a few years ago you wouldn't see it at all. Along with a flag goes a national anthem and I think Jerusalem is up there in the top three choices for a new English national anthem. Scotland uses "Flower of Scotland" (written by the Corries) and Wales uses "Land of my Fathers" (trad.).

At the Commonwealth Games in Malaysia, England used "Land of Hope and Glory" (talk about jingoistic!) and Scotland used "Scotland the Brave" (ditto). Both were so appaling, both in nature and the recordings used that it was painful .

Another 20th century hymn "I Vow to Thee My Country", music by Elgar, is also becomming popular again and could be a new national anthem for the UK if that dirge "God Save The Queen" ever gets relegated to the Royal Anthem

Subject: RE: Lyrics For
From: Steve Parkes
Date: 13 Nov 98 - 03:56 AM

I read somewhere (sorry, can't remember where!) that the "dark Satanic mills" were actualy Oxford and Cambridge Universities, which he was blasting for their unchristian teachings.

There's a legend that when Jesus was a little lad a merchant uncle, possibly J of A, took him to Britain on a business trip - whence those feet, etc.

Steve

Subject: RE: Lyrics For
From: Jo Taylor
Date: 12 Nov 98 - 07:15 PM

Where are you now? I was originally in North Devon - Combe Martin - but by 1977 we were in Exeter then Chudleigh (Newton Abbot side of Exeter) but travelled extensively with various bands over the years, I am familiar with village halls the length & breadth of Devon! (and over the borders a bit) Did you go to ceilidhs & barn dances (there never was a suitable word), morris things, or just song clubs?

Subject: RE: Lyrics For
From: Pete M
Date: 12 Nov 98 - 06:42 PM

Hi Jo, no, we never visited Folk clubs in Exeter, the drive back to Tavi' made the expedition too lengthy, our boys were primary school age then, and Sandie, my better half, didn't like leaving them that long. We were regulars at the Buckland Monachorum club though.

regards

Pete M

Subject: RE: Lyrics For
From: Jo Taylor
Date: 11 Nov 98 - 07:54 PM

Pete M - saw somewhere else - think it was the herring one - you said 'when we left Tavistock 12 years ago' - were you ever in Exeter, Black Horse Folk Club or Jolly Porter? Welcome Inn Sunday sessions? Prospect Inn? Beer Engine? any other clubs etc in Devon?

Subject: RE: Lyrics For
From: Pete M
Date: 09 Nov 98 - 02:36 PM

Well, personally I'm surprised that Peter Balke had time to do any drawing at all in between his sailing. Perhaps Sgt P cover was due to a bout of seasickness?

Sorry Jo, I really didn't intend that to be a lecture, but given the international nature of the 'Cat, it is possible that not everyone knew why Ritchie made his comment, and I find it difficult to be clear, concise and amusing in a way that can't be misconstued all at the same time. Probably due to spending too much time spraying roses to kill off the naked women!

Pete M

Subject: RE: Lyrics For
From: Jo Taylor
Date: 06 Nov 98 - 08:06 PM

Thanks Ritchie, I think I'll leave this one now before it gets too serious again!

jo

Subject: RE: Lyrics For
From: Ritchie
Date: 06 Nov 98 - 06:08 AM

No Jo...Don't feel chastised... I don't think that Pete's right. I think he's confused with Blackburn Rovers recent signing from Bolton Wanderers ,Nathan Blake.

One of the things I enjoy most about lyrics is other 'peoples' interpretation of them...I often say things that I don't mean and even sometimes it seems that what I have said ....and actually meant... has been taken the wrong way.

Come to think about it though I think I actually prefer the tune of 'Jurusalem' to the words and to think Milton went on to become so successful in the baby/hygene market etc.

Or was that Milton Keynes ?

love and happiness

Ritchie

Subject: RE: Lyrics For
From: Jo Taylor
Date: 05 Nov 98 - 07:46 PM

Oops...suitably chastised. No, I wasn't really and it was very late at night. You're right. I think.

Subject: RE: Lyrics For
From: Catfeet
Date: 04 Nov 98 - 11:54 PM

On a lighter note,...Didn't O'Brian & Bashir sing this in a happily miserable drunken scene on DS9?

Catfeet

Subject: RE: Lyrics For
From: Ralph Butts
Date: 04 Nov 98 - 09:07 PM

Amazing - how much one can learn by just listening.

.....Tiger

Subject: RE: Lyrics For
From: Pete M
Date: 04 Nov 98 - 08:54 PM

Jo, surely you're not serious? I can't see then empathiszing at all! Peter Blakes designs, and intent, are, to my mind, profoundly rooted in the materialistic culture that Blake was attacking. That they were percieved at the time as radical and potentially anti-establishment I think mistakes a difference of interest for a difference of values. Art produced to market a product to a target population who want to be seen as "different" is ephemeral by nature, and must operate within the dominant value system.
Blake's art continues to disturb as it attacks the value systems practiced and embraced by the Establishment then and now.

Sorry, end of lecture.

Pete M

Subject: RE: Lyrics For
From: Jon Bartlett
Date: 04 Nov 98 - 07:40 PM

My reading of Blake is that he was profoundly Christian and equally profoundly anti-Church. I think that his take on Christianity was ahistorical - perhaps anti-historical. Why Palestine and not Peterborough? Why AD 1 and not AD 1798? ("To defend the Bible in this year 1798 would cost a man his life" - one of his marginalia). He takes it that Christ is always present, everywhere, and that the rebuilding of Jerusalem could just as easily take place at Jarrow. IMHO Jon

Subject: RE: Lyrics For
From: Jo Taylor
Date: 04 Nov 98 - 06:02 PM

You're NOT serious...are you Ritchie? Though I think William & Peter might have found a certain empathy.

Subject: RE: Lyrics For
From: Pete M
Date: 04 Nov 98 - 04:45 PM

Pablo, no I don't think anything else is as well known. I think a lot of people know or recognize bits of, and quotes from "The Sick Rose" and "The Tyger", but certainly don't know the whole poem, and quite often probably don't know the origin.

Pete M

Subject: RE: Lyrics For
From: pablo
Date: 04 Nov 98 - 09:34 AM

I think it does bears mentioning that Blake, following Milton (in his Paradise Lost) felt it necessary to take the Bible itself as a model for writing his own visionary and epic poetry, although I think some will take issue with the "epic" description for Blake. But there's no question he considered himself writing on a level of importance equal to the Bible--at that time a very radical, even heretical stance. Has anything else of his entered into the popular canon to such an extent as Jersualem?

Subject: RE: Lyrics For
From:
Date: 04 Nov 98 - 08:07 AM

Blake was never high on anything but his own imagination. He saw angels in trees from a young age.

Subject: RE: Lyrics For
From: Ritchie
Date: 04 Nov 98 - 07:43 AM

I remember as if it was yesterday, standing at morning assembly and 'belting' out 'Jurusalem' with considerable pride at the top of our voices ,wondering why it was n't our National Anthem.

Of course I realise now that 'it could not be quite the done thing' as Blake was obviously 'high' on some substance when he wrote it....as he no doubt was when he designed 'The Sgt Pepper' album sleeve for the Beatles.

love and happiness

Ritchie

Subject: RE: Lyrics For
From:
Date: 04 Nov 98 - 03:20 AM

Well, I have nothing to contribute to this very interesting discussion but a question :

Does anybody know where I can find the notes for Parry's composition on the internet, or has anybody got them in an electronic form, so he can sent them to me ?

Thank you

Michael

Subject: RE: Lyrics For
From: Jo Taylor
Date: 03 Nov 98 - 07:50 PM

I have been to a Women's Institute meeting! (my mum took me) - It's the Blake one. Very stirring, tres formidable. (I don't know how to do accents & italics, soory.)

Subject: RE: Lyrics For
From: Christian in Syracuse, NY
Date: 03 Nov 98 - 07:20 PM

I'm surprised no one's mentioned it, but I first encountered this song as a refrain in a Monty Python's Flying Circus skit. Unfortunately, I can't remember any other details of the skit at the moment.

Since that formative moment (probably in my early teens), I've married into an English family. My mother-in-law knows the song by heart I think, and I heard it on Songs of Praise during a recent visit to Britain (my tastes run more to Airport or Eastenders, but my wife's granny you know...)

I'm not usually the hymm sort, but I love the song. I originally got the imperialist interpretation, too, but now I'm leaning more toward the socialist. In fact, I happened upon this list when I did a web search for the lyrics after reading a Marxist-POV article quoting Blake. It doesn't mention that it became a hymm, but it does discuss the poem from a socialist perspective. See David Harvey, "Labor, Capital, and Class Struggle Around the Built Environment in Advanced Capitalist Countries," p. 27 in Kevin Cox, ed., Urbanization and Conflict in Market Societies, Chicago: Maaroufa Press, 1978.

Sorry I'm so wordy ...

Christian