Nation chooses Jerusalem for England's CommonwealthMedalists

Commonwealth Games - Jerusalem has been chosen as the anthem to be played for English athletes competing at this year's Commonwealth Games in Delhi. The decision follows a month-long public vote earlier this year, which saw Jerusalem coming out as a runaway favourite.

Commonwealth Games - New Delhi 3-14 October 2010 

England announced that they would let the nation decide which anthem is to be played at this year’s Commonwealth Games in Delhi by allowing the public to vote for the song of their choice.

 
Voters were able to choose between God Save The Queen, Jerusalem and Land of Hope and Glory - with Jerusalem beating the both the national anthem and the anthem previously used for English athletes competing at Commonwealth Games. 

The new official anthem of the England Team will be played for English athletes on the podium in Delhi when a Gold medal is won.

"Jerusalem”

And did those feet in ancient time
Walk upon England's mountains 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.

England athlete Dean Macey, who won Gold at the 2006 Games in Melbourne, welcomed the new anthem, saying: “Jerusalem’s awesome for getting you pumped before competing. Couple this with the huge pride that comes in wearing the red lion and you’ve got the perfect anthem for England’s Commonwealth Games’.

Duncan Lewis, Marketing Director for Commonwealth Games England, said, “The nation has spoken and we are delighted to accept Jerusalem as the anthem for England athletes in Delhi. The response from the public has been absolutely fantastic and I hope they will carry on this level of enthusiasm in supporting the team in Delhi this summer.”

Survey by YouGov of 1,896 entrants

Results –

1. Jerusalem: 52.5%
2. Land of Hope and Glory: 32.5%
3. God Save The Queen: 12%


Story Source:  www.weareengland.org