Steve Earle: “I’m so optimistic that I wrote this song, and people think this is hopelessly optimistic but I’m just gonna keep singing it until either I die or it comes true, whichever one happens first.”
(Scroll forward to 5:50 if you want to skip the interview with Steve Earle and just hear the song.)
Jerusalem
by Steve Earle
I woke up this mornin' and none of the news was good
And death machines were rumblin' 'cross the ground where Jesus stood
And the man on my TV told me that it had always been that way
And there was nothin' anyone could do or say
And I almost listened to him
Yeah, I almost lost my mind
Then I regained my senses again
And looked into my heart to find
That I believe that one fine day all the children of Abraham
Will lay down their swords forever in Jerusalem
Well maybe I'm only dreamin' and maybe I'm just a fool
But I don't remember learnin' how to hate in Sunday school
But somewhere along the way I strayed and I never looked back again
But I still find some comfort now and then
Then the storm comes rumblin' in
And I can't lay me down
And the drums are drummin' again
And I can't stand the sound
But I believe there'll come a day when the lion and the lamb
Will lie down in peace together in Jerusalem
And there'll be no barricades then
There'll be no wire or walls
And we can wash all this blood from our hands
And all this hatred from our souls
And I believe that on that day all the children of Abraham
Will lay down their swords forever in Jerusalem
I like the song, Marian. Thanks for finding it. There is another Jerusalem song I like also, an oldie.
ReplyDeleteIt's my bedtime and I'll see what the sleepless have done with yours in the morning.
G'night,
..
I'm assuming the parameters are wide open, as they usually are for your challenges, Marian?
ReplyDeleteyes, wide open, write like the wind! and just to be clear, i'm not trying to start an argument or debate about Israel and Hamas, but appreciating an optimistic expression on the subject. but respond from whatever direction your muse takes you. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks. :-)
ReplyDeleteSo difficult to come to terms with hope lost and gained and lost again,in cycles over the long years of conflict.
ReplyDeleteThis strikes a chord, Marian.
ReplyDeleteThanks for this interesting prompt.. ..
ReplyDeleteBeautiful lyrics. Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeletehello, everyone... busy day for me but I'll be around later this evening to read anything you share. happy friday. peace, M
ReplyDeleteThe lyrics to this song go straight into my heart and make me cry, Marian. Timely topic. Looking forward to what we believers come up with for it.
ReplyDeleteI wish that I shared his optimism.
ReplyDeleteHeard this, complete with the fabulous foreword, many times. In fact, our praise band does it in church many Sundays. Quite ironic, given the violence there, that we may have to sing it again this Sunday. Thanks so much, Amy
ReplyDeleteBeautiful Marian...thank you
ReplyDeleteThis moved me to reach for the hope, Marian. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI'm back from Washington DC - I love that city. Quite timely, this prompt.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Marian...I always enjoy the inspiration that you share with us! :)
ReplyDeleteglad you all liked this, friends. i have a great deal of admiration for Steve Earle and i just so appreciate that he puts it right out there, no flinching. just, here's what i have to say.
ReplyDeletexoxox to all of you.