Jerusalem
Matisyahu
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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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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 BackgroundMatisyahu, 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.
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Song Creation"Jerusalem" is one of Matisyahu's most popular songs. It is featured on Matisyahu’s 2006 album "Youth", produced by Bill Laswell.
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Song ThemeThe 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.
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Song InfluenceMatisyahu’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.
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Music GenreLike 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.
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Song LyricsThe 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.
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Song ImpactThe 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.
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Music VideoThe 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.
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Awards and RecognitionAlthough "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.
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Live PerformancesMatisyahu's live performances of "Jerusalem" are especially noted for his beatboxing ability and the passionate energy he brings to the song on stage.
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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.
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Album DetailsThe 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.
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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.
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Genre BlendIncorporating diverse musical styles, "Jerusalem" stands out because of its rare fusion of reggae, rap, and Jewish folk sounds.
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Chart PerformanceThis 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.
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Personal ConnectionFor 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.
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Music VideoThe 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.
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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.
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Global InfluenceThe 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.
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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.
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Song LengthThe official version of "Jerusalem" is 3 minutes and 46 seconds long, making for a concise yet potent musical statement.
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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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Citation
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"Jerusalem Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 21 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/8700277/Matisyahu/Jerusalem>.
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