Jerusalem Jerusalem is based on a poem published by William Blake in 1804. It is a popular song for both weddings and funerals, and it is still one of the most popular hymns for any Christian celebration. The first four lines of the poem are: Jerusalem, Jerusalem, how often would I have seen thee! But now I see thee not; All that I see or hear is but a dream or vision of the eye or ear. Thou art gone from my heart and from my mind; There was a time when I could love no other: Now I find that place too cold for me. I called for help, but there was none to give; I sought for aid, but all was vain: Then will I sleep in peace. Blake may have chosen this particular hymn because of its similarity to Christ's words in John 12:17: "Now is the time for you to awake from sleep, for now your brother David seeks your life." The phrase "a dream or vision of the eye or ear" comes from Proverbs 25:2 which says that man's happiness is like the morning mist which vanishes before the rising sun.