Other...: Why is JERUSALEM used as England's national anthem?

Notably for the 2022 Commonwealth games

It seems so odd to have a national anthem named after a foreign city!

Comments

    • Anonymous
    • 4 Aug 2022
    • 21:49

    It only seems odd until you know 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 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 England's green and pleasant land.