tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9487055.post5292034231035669570..comments2024-03-26T05:56:59.938+11:00Comments on THE PSYCHOLOGIST : Jerusalem’s NOT dark and Satanic says Church of EnglandJRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00829082699850674281noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9487055.post-18328822830301540542010-07-18T03:06:25.056+10:002010-07-18T03:06:25.056+10:00I do agree with the criticisms leveled at Blake...I do agree with the criticisms leveled at Blake's lyric. As a true Christian hymn, it can easily be dismissed. However, I believe the song has some merit, nonetheless. <br /><br />Blake coyly words the first stanza as a series of questions, so that he doesn't appear to espouse the myth. He merely suggests, What if...? If Christ walked upon English soil as to story goes, did He bring a touch of the heavenly Jerusalem here?<br /><br />Then, the second stanza is an appeal to activism. It is a reminder that citizens have a responsibility to make England all it could be. To battle the corporate greed and the oppression of workers exemplified in those "dark satanic mills." This will sometimes require defending that "green and pleasant land" with armed might--as the older generation well knows.<br /><br />So... As a hymn, no. But as a call to social activism in Britain, yes. It is inspiring--especially due to Sir Hubert Parry's great tune.roberthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03435373461292769832noreply@blogger.com