Jerusalem

Matisyahu

About Jerusalem

"Jerusalem (Out Of Darkness Comes Light)" is a song by American reggae singer Matisyahu, produced by Jimmy Douglass & The Ill Factor, and first released in 2006 on his major label debut, Youth. A new version was recorded later in 2006 with Sly & Robbie and was released as a digital single on September 19, 2006.


Year:
2006
4:00
205 
#3

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Jerusalem, if I forget you,
Fire not gonna come from me tongue.
Jerusalem, if I forget you,
Let my right hand forget what it's supposed to do.

In the ancient days, we will return with no delay
Picking up the bounty and the spoils on our way
We've been traveling from state to state
And them don't understand what they say
3,000 years with no place to be
And they want me to give up my milk and honey
Don't you see, it's not about the land or the sea
Not the country but the dwelling of his majesty

Jerusalem, if I forget you,
Fire not gonna come from me tongue.
Jerusalem, if I forget you,
Let my right hand forget what it's supposed to do.

Rebuild the temple and the crown of glory
Years gone by, about sixty
Burn in the oven in this century
And the gas tried to choke, but it couldn't choke me
I will not lie down, I will not fall asleep
They come overseas, yes they're trying to be free
Erase the demons out of our memory
Change your name and your identity
Afraid of the truth and our dark history
Why is everybody always chasing we
Cut off the roots of your family tree
Don't you know that's not the way to be

Jerusalem, if I forget you,
Fire not gonna come from me tongue.
Jerusalem, if I forget you,
Let my right hand forget what it's supposed to do.

Caught up in these ways, and the worlds gone craze
Don't you know it's just a phase
Case of the Simon says
If I forget the truth then my words won't penetrate
Babylon burning in the place, can't see through the haze
Chop down all of them dirty ways,
That's the price that you pay for selling lies to the youth
No way, not OK, oh no way, not ok, hey
Ain't no one gonna break my stride
Ain't no one gonna pull me down
Oh no, I got to keep on moving
Stay alive

Jerusalem, if I forget you,
Fire not gonna come from me tongue.
Jerusalem, if I forget you,
Let my right hand forget what it's supposed to do.

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Matisyahu

Matthew Paul Miller (born June 30, 1979), known by his Hebrew name and stage name Matisyahu ("Gift of God"), is an American reggae and alternative rock musician. more »

1 fan

Written by: GREGORY PRESTOPINO, IVAN CORRALIZA, JIMMY DOUGLASS, MATTHEW MILLER, MATTHEW WILDER

Lyrics © A SIDE MUSIC LLC D/B/A MODERN WORKS MUSIC PUBLISHING, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


22 facts about this song

Artist Background
Matisyahu, born as Matthew Paul Miller, is an American Jewish reggae singer, rapper, and songwriter known for blending Orthodox Jewish themes with reggae, rock, and hip hop sounds.
Song Creation
"Jerusalem" is one of Matisyahu's most popular songs. It is featured on Matisyahu’s 2006 album "Youth", produced by Bill Laswell.
Song Theme
The song refers to the biblical city of Jerusalem, symbolizing peace and divine spirituality. It emphasizes the longing of the Jewish people for their ancestral homeland.
Song Influence
Matisyahu’s "Jerusalem" has a powerful influence on his listeners. It carries the prayerful aspiration of a Jewish believer and the profound angst of a reggae rapper.
Music Genre
Like most of his songs, "Jerusalem" also uses a fusion of reggae, rock, and hip-hop. However, this song stands out for combining these genres with traditional Hebrew melodies.
Song Lyrics
The lyrics of "Jerusalem" have deep spiritual meanings, tracing the history of the Hebrew people, paying tribute to their struggles, their faith, and their longing for the sanctity of Jerusalem.
Song Impact
The song "Jerusalem" became an anthem for peace and unity. It was well-received by fans, community leaders, and music critics and contributed to Matisyahu's commercial success.
Music Video
The music video for "Jerusalem", directed by Jimmy Iovine, complements the song's etherial quality. It features Matisyahu singing and dancing in a desert, interspersed with clips of Jerusalem's landscapes and cityscapes.
Awards and Recognition
Although "Jerusalem" did not win any precise awards, the album "Youth" on which it is featured was nominated for a Grammy Award in the category of Best Reggae Album in 2007.
Live Performances
Matisyahu's live performances of "Jerusalem" are especially noted for his beatboxing ability and the passionate energy he brings to the song on stage.
Artist Information
"Jerusalem" is a song by Matisyahu, an American reggae rapper and alternative rock musician known for his distinctive blending of reggae, hip-hop beats, and Jewish spiritual themes.
Album Details
The song is from the album "Youth" which was released in 2006. This album became Matisyahu's most popular work and made him known to the broader public.
Song Theme
"Jerusalem" explores Matisyahu's deep connection to the city of Jerusalem and his belief in its significance according to Jewish prophecy. It provides a modern interpretation of the ancient idea of yearning for the rebuilding of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem.
Genre Blend
Incorporating diverse musical styles, "Jerusalem" stands out because of its rare fusion of reggae, rap, and Jewish folk sounds.
Chart Performance
This song charted at number 21 on the US Heatseekers Songs Billboard. Despite this moderate commercial performance, it was critically acclaimed for its unique sound and inspirational message.
Personal Connection
For Matisyahu, "Jerusalem" has a personal significance as the artist himself is Jewish, and exploring Jewish themes through his work became an integral part of his identity as a musician.
Music Video
The music video for "Jerusalem" features a mix of historical and contemporary imagery related to the city of Jerusalem, reflecting the blend of past, present, and future in the song's lyrics.
Critical Reception
"Jerusalem" received positive reviews for its powerful lyrics and the unique combination of genres. Critics also praised Matisyahu's delivery and emotional connection to the song's theme.
Global Influence
The song has also been influential outside of the United States, resonating with global audiences due to its spiritual message and the universal theme of longing for one's homeland.
Live Performances
"Jerusalem" has become a staple in Matisyahu's live performances. The raw energy of his concerts provides a new perspective on the song, further deepening its impact.
Song Length
The official version of "Jerusalem" is 3 minutes and 46 seconds long, making for a concise yet potent musical statement.
Lyric Significance
"Jerusalem, if I forget you, let my right hand forget what it’s supposed to do" - This lyric from the song is based on Psalm 137 from the Old Testament, which expresses the deep love and longing of the Jewish people for the city of Jerusalem.

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    "Jerusalem Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 25 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/8700277/Matisyahu/Jerusalem>.

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