“To Find Jerusalem” is taken from forthcoming album “Operation Internation” and features special guests stars the Glasgow School of Art Choir, led by Jamie Sansbury.  Our warmest thanks to all in the choir for your beautiful voices and being such a joy to work with.

Video directed by Daryl Cockburn.  A big thank you from us to Daryl.

Song #19 – To Find Jerusalem

The British national anthem of “God save the King”, as sung by the English national football teams, has often received a bit of a rough reception north of the border (with the notable exception of Ibrox but let us not pursue that one.  One hornet’s nest at a time please).  

Now, here’s a thing.  

During the Commonwealth games in Glasgow in 2016, William Blake’s “Jerusalem” was adopted as the national anthem for the English athletes and was generally respected and applauded by Scottish crowds.  There is a disarming quality to music.  A good song brings a room together (“Music soothes a savage breast”) and Blake’s “Jerusalem” (unlike “God Save the King”) is a celebration of homeland which is not at the expense of others.  Internationalism begins at home.  My country alongside all others.  

“To Find Jerusalem” is a song about a song.  I very much liked the idea of rescuing William Blake from the Last Night of the Proms.

bx

Out today – click here to stream, listen, download or pre-order the new album: https://linktr.ee/anewinternational