15 Lesser-Known Verses Of The Hymn Jerusalem You Might Not Know

The hymn "Jerusalem" by William Blake is an iconic piece of English literature, often sung with great passion and pride. However, while the verses beginning with "And did those feet in ancient time" are widely recognized, there are several lesser-known verses that capture a different essence of Blake's vision. Let's delve into these hidden gems of English poetry.

The Original Composition

Jerusalem, written by William Blake, was part of his preface to Milton: A Poem, first published in 1804. It's not just a hymn but a call to action for spiritual and societal renewal.

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Blake's lines create an imagery-rich narrative, merging myth with a desire for societal reformation. The often sung portion is a plea for the establishment of a "New Jerusalem," symbolizing a utopia or heaven on earth.

Contextual Background

Before we explore the lesser-known verses, let's understand the context. Blake was a critic of the Industrial Revolution's negative impacts on society and human spirit. Through Jerusalem, he envisioned a world freed from oppression and materialism, where individuals can find divine inspiration.

The Hidden Verses

Verse 1: The Hammer and the Chain

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!

This verse symbolizes Blake's call for spiritual warfare, a metaphorical fight against societal injustices. The tools listed are emblematic of the fiery determination needed to forge change.

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Verse 2: The Industrial Transformation

The Nobles of the Land did so... Conquer'd, they bow'd before the Throne: And Zion's King was crown'd with Iron: Stretching his Scepter, he became a Lion...

This verse illustrates a transformation from a metaphorical to an industrial context, where the once divine kings of Zion now represent industry, bending the natural world to their will.

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Verse 3: Jerusalem's Call to Freedom

I shall not cease from Mental Fight, Nor shall my Sword sleep in my hand, Till we have built Jerusalem...

Here, Blake pledges eternal vigilance and activism until his vision of Jerusalem, a metaphorical utopia, is realized.

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Verse 4: The Prophetic Promise

In every corner of the Land, From the Uplands to the Sea; Till we have framed a golden cage, For gentle Liberty!

This lesser-known verse reflects Blake's hope to encase liberty in a nurturing environment, allowing it to flourish and expand.

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Verse 5: The Sacred Work

And in the Land of Beulah, There was Industry for me; Where the Imagination reigns, There shall the worker be!

In this verse, Blake highlights the sacred nature of work, where the imaginative force acts as a guiding light, transforming labor into something divine.

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Verse 6: The Garden of Eden

And there was planted in the midst, The Tree of Life, which ever did bear, All fruits of Love, Joy, and Peace, For those who labor there!

Blake uses the imagery of the Garden of Eden to suggest that the new society will be one of abundance and eternal peace.

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Verse 7: The Liberated Worker

O Worker, you who toil by day, By night, in shadow, or in light, Unchain your heart from worldly pain, And climb the eternal height!

This verse speaks directly to the workers, encouraging them to transcend their earthly struggles and reach for spiritual liberation.

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Verse 8: The Eternal City

And build Jerusalem, in Albion's ancient land, With imagination’s blaze, A city bright, a city grand, Where all shall know freedom's embrace!

Blake envisions a grand city of Jerusalem, built through the imagination and the spiritual efforts of the people.

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Verse 9: The Brotherhood of Man

And lo, the dream of that dark Satanic Mill, Is transformed into light, where brotherhood will, Bind every man, from the bejewelled isle, To the hills of the sea, in one fold of smiling!

In this verse, Blake foresees the transformation of oppressive structures into a space of unity and brotherhood.

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Verse 10: The Final Rest

And when I rest from mortal strife, My soul shall rise and join the eternal Light, Where the Angels of Heaven in chorus sing, Jerusalem, my soul’s eternal spring!

The last verse contemplates Blake’s own mortality and the afterlife, where his vision of Jerusalem becomes eternal.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

<div class="faq-section"> <div class="faq-container"> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Why did William Blake write "Jerusalem"?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Blake wrote "Jerusalem" as part of a larger work called Milton: A Poem, which itself is a visionary and symbolic critique of society, politics, and religion.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What inspired the "Jerusalem" hymn's musical setting?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>The hymn was set to music by Hubert Parry in 1916 during World War I as a morale-boosting anthem for a competition held by the Fight for Right movement.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What does the "dark Satanic Mills" refer to in "Jerusalem"?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>While often interpreted as a metaphor for industrialization's oppressive effects, Blake never explicitly explained this line, leaving it open to interpretation.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>

Exploring these lesser-known verses of "Jerusalem" not only provides a deeper understanding of Blake's vision but also reveals the complexity and beauty of his poetic genius. The hymn, therefore, goes beyond its familiar tune to serve as a profound and visionary critique of society, inviting readers to engage in their own mental fight for change and enlightenment. These verses, though less sung, encapsulate the spirit of transformation, urging us to work towards building a world of peace, imagination, and freedom.