Blake's Jerusalem

Well this is a slightly random post, but I was recently looking through my music collection and found a recording of William Blake's Jerusalem. Originally a poem, it's now used as a song, and, to me, is one of the most beautiful texts ever written. When I was younger, and in my mind a staunch socialist, I used to listen to Billy Bragg's version of the song. The greatest thing about the song is how it can mean many things to many people. Well, here's 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 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.

In many ways this represents one of many outstanding literary contributions from the British/Anglo-Saxon tradition. Along with C.S. Lewis, Byron, and Chaucer, Blake is tops.