'''Jerusalem ''' (words [[William Blake]] 1804, music [[Charles Parry]] 1916), is a hymn and patriotic song that is consistently voted England's unofficial national anthem. Blake's original poem was set to music by Parry during the First World War. The poem/hymn speaks of a perfect England of the imagination, but one that could exist in reality if only we all worked together. Many of Blake's references are obscure, and almost certainly reflect his mystical philosophy. Scholars have been arguing over their meaning for 200 years.
Jerusalem is also unusual as a patriotic song in that it is named after a foreign city. It is the official anthem of both the [[Conservative Party]] ''and'' the [[Labour Party]], the conservative [[Women's Institute]] and the socialist [[Trades Union]] movement. Since it appeals to those on both the left and the right, it is often regarded as ideally suited as a national anthem. Officially, however, England has no national anthem.