Emerson, Lake & Palmer's song "Jerusalem" is a rendition of the famous hymn "And Did Those Feet in Ancient Time," commonly known as the hymn of England. The song itself is a musical adaptation of William Blake's poem from his collection called "Milton: A Poem in Two Books." The lyrics of the song talk about a vision or dream of a mythical past where Jesus Christ might have visited England. The first stanza raises the question of whether Jesus walked on England's green mountains and if the Holy Lamb of God was seen on the pleasant pastures. The second stanza questions if the divine presence could have shone upon the clouded hills and if Jerusalem could have been built amidst the dark and oppressive industrial mills. The third stanza signifies an urge for strength and power to bring about change. The protagonist calls for the bow of burning gold, arrows of desire, and a spear, which represents the need for a spiritual and physical battle to unfold. The phrase "Chariot of Fire" is a biblical reference to the fiery chariot that took the Prophet Elijah to heaven. The final stanza portrays a determination to continue the mental struggle and fight for a better England. The sword symbolizes the constant readiness to fight for one's beliefs and principles until they have successfully built "Jerusalem" in England's green and pleasant land. Overall, the song captures the spirit of striving for a better world and the longing for a spiritual revival in England, drawing on themes of myth, spirituality, and the desire to overcome industrialization and societal challenges.
