Blake's Jerusalem

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School Song, Stretford Grammar School for Boys,
Half a mile from Old Trafford and the Reds,
1964 and Harold Wilson's White Heat of Technology.

Indeed this song replaced Gaudeamus Igitur and the UK as a nation has continued to go down hill every since. Quod Erat Demonstrandum.

Would anyone suggest that Blake's Jerusalem really reflects particular qualities of English culture? Well, at least you knew where you were with Gaudeamus.

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.

Dad, Dad.... Why were people fighting in Jerusalem today or was it Manchester? Dad, what is a Holy Lamb of God?...Go to sleep Ceinwen, I'll tell you in the morning.

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