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 ' (1804). Today it is best known as the hymn Jerusalem, with music written by C. Hubert H. Parry in 1916, the most famous version of which is an orchestration written by Sir Edward Elgar in 1922.

Related Topics:
Poem - William Blake - 1804 - Hymn - Music - C. Hubert H. Parry - 1916 - Orchestration - Sir Edward Elgar - 1922

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

Related Topics:
England - Patriotic - Nationalism - Anti-modernism - Post-modernism - Socialist - Christianity - British National Party - British Women's Institute - National Union of Suffrage Societies

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The text of the poem was inspired by the legend that Jesus, while still a young man, accompanied Joseph of Arimathea to Glastonbury. 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.

Related Topics:
Legend - Jesus - Joseph of Arimathea - Glastonbury - Theme - Subtext

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One particular line from the poem, "Bring me my chariot of fire", apparently inspired the title of the film Chariots of Fire.

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The song was performed 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. The Fall and Billy Bragg have also recorded versions of the song. Composer Robert Steadman incorporated a version in his remembrance-themed choral work In Memoriam (premiered in 1995).

Related Topics:
Emerson, Lake and Palmer - Brain Salad Surgery - Iron Maiden - Bruce Dickinson - The Fall - Billy Bragg - Composer - Robert Steadman - Remembrance - Choral - 1995

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In 2000, British novelty-pop group Fat Les recorded another version, entitled Jerusalem or alternately Jerusalem 2000. This time it was a rousing electronic dance track, and was used as the England football team's theme at Euro 2000. Pet Shop Boys were commissioned to do a remix of the track. Although listed as a Pet Shop Boys remix, the mix was done by keyboardist Chris Lowe without the direct involvement of singer Neil Tennant.

Related Topics:
2000 - Euro 2000 - Pet Shop Boys - Chris Lowe - Neil Tennant

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Jerusalem, along with Abide With Me, is always sung at the Rugby League Challenge Cup Final and both songs are known as Rugby League anthems. Since 2004 it has been sung at the beginning of England cricket matches.

Related Topics:
Abide With Me - Rugby League - 2004 - England - Cricket

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The tune has been set to several texts in the United States, where the traditional lyrics would have little relevance, including O Love of God, how strong and true, which was performed in an arrangement by Michael McCarthy at Ronald Reagan's funeral at Washington National Cathedral.

Related Topics:
Michael McCarthy - Ronald Reagan - Washington National Cathedral

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