The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #31708   Message #417769
Posted By: Bugsy
14-Mar-01 - 07:42 PM
Thread Name: English National Anthem
Subject: RE: BS: English National Anthem
Having lived longer now in Australia than I did in the land of my birth, I most probably shouldn't have any say here (though they do say that one never loses one's British birthright). However, I always thought that England's National Anthem should be "Jerusalem". For anyone who does not know it, the lyrics 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 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! Oh, 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!

When I was a lad, this song always stirred the loins! Still does, for that matter.

Cheers
Bugsy