Written as a Preface to "Milton, a Poem" by William Blake in 1808 at the time of the Industrial Revolution.

Renamed as the anthem "Jerusalem" when music by Hubert Parry was added in 1916 in the midst of the darkness of World War 1.

Thought to be inspired by a myth that Jesus had visited England as a young lad with his uncle Joseph of Arimathea, a trader in tin.

But, in implying that a visit by Jesus had briefly created heaven, it looked forwards, and building, towards his Second Coming.

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 & pleasant Land