The Shires Release Cover of ‘Jerusalem’
The Shires are well known for their sublime vocal harmonies and for creating stellar country tracks but the talented UK duo consisting of Ben Earle and Crissie Rhodes have now added hymn singers to their long list of growing achievements.
Today, (Friday, October 26th) the record making, chart stars released their stunning rendition of the hymn ‘Jerusalem’. This song is seen by many of the English as the national hymn for England and the lyrics stem from the poem by William Blake in 1804 while the lyrics were added to music written by Hubert Parry in 1916 during the gloom of WWI when an uplifting new English hymn was well received and needed.
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.
It’s a gorgeous, uplifting piece of music and The Shires’ divine rendition is utterly breathtaking. Rhodes and Earle’s vocals combine to create a delicate vocal harmony and the overall production makes it a rousing rendition of this famous hymn.
What do you think of The Shires’ cover of ‘Jerusalem’? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
