As a teenager, this was glued to my turntable, and I had absolutely NO idea that it was an adaptation of a traditional Anglican hymn (words from a poem by William Blake, I think). Then one Sunday I went to church with my buddy's Episcopal family, and I was like "Holy sh** - they're doing an ELP song!" True story. I was almost forced to spark up a joint in church, out of habit. God bless you, Keith Emerson.
today 22/09/2019 4+9+3 = 7
And did those feet in ancient time
Walk upon England's mountain 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.
Born in 1962, my first record that I bought when I was 12 was EL&P's 'Brain Salad Surgery'. It says everything. So, you can imagine how I feel now. No words to describe great sadness and pain in my soul. Keith Emerson lives in our hearts. Forever.