Chorus
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
Chorus
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
Chorus
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
Aint no one gonna break my stride
Aint no one gonna pull me down
Oh no, I got to keep on moving
Stay alive
Chorus
Jerusalem (Out of Darkness Comes Light)
Jerusalem (Out of Darkness Comes Light) Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Matisyahu's song "Jerusalem (Out of Darkness Comes Light)," released with its video on October 25, 2009, is a powerful declaration of connection and resilience rooted in deep historical and spiritual themes. The central core of the song is immediately established in the chorus, a direct and poignant reference to Psalm 137:5-6. This ancient scripture, born from the Babylonian exile, expresses an unbreakable bond with Jerusalem, stating that forgetting the city would result in the loss of vital function, both in speech and skill. By adopting these lines, the song immediately places the listener within the long continuum of Jewish history and the profound significance Jerusalem holds as more than just a geographical location, but as the heart of identity and spiritual connection.
The verses expand upon this theme by traversing thousands of years of history. Lines like "In the ancient days, we will return with no delay" and references to "3,000 years with no place to be" encapsulate the enduring hope for return to a homeland and the long period of diaspora. The song touches upon the challenges faced by the Jewish people, including attempts to erase their identity ("Change your name and your identity," "Erase the demons out of our memory") and historical persecution, starkly referenced by "Burn in the oven in this century" and the struggle to survive ("the gas tried to choke, but it couldn't choke me"). These lines serve as a testament to survival and an unwavering refusal to succumb to oppression or forget the past, emphasizing a fierce determination not to "lie down" or "fall asleep."
Beyond the historical narrative, the song delves into the spiritual and existential reasons behind this deep connection. The lyric "Don't you see, it's not about the land or the sea / Not the country but the dwelling of his majesty" elevates the significance of Jerusalem from a political or territorial matter to a sacred one, representing the presence of the Divine. This perspective underscores the spiritual dimension of the Jewish people's relationship with the city and their heritage. The call to "Rebuild the temple and the crown of glory" further reinforces this spiritual aspiration, linking physical return with spiritual renewal and the restoration of a sacred center. The song also addresses internal and external struggles, urging listeners to "Chop down all of them dirty ways" and resist negative influences or those who "selling lies to the youth," highlighting a commitment to truth and righteousness in a world described as "gone craze."
Ultimately, "Jerusalem (Out of Darkness Comes Light)" is a declaration of enduring hope, perseverance, and faith in the face of immense historical adversity. The repeated affirmation of not forgetting Jerusalem serves as a rallying cry for maintaining identity and spiritual connection. The song concludes with powerful lines about resilience – "Aint no one gonna break my stride / Aint no one gonna pull me down / Oh no, I got to keep on moving / Stay alive" – reinforcing the message that despite trials and darkness, the spirit of the people endures, moving forward with strength and unwavering purpose. The title itself encapsulates this journey, suggesting that light and redemption emerge from the darkest periods of exile and suffering.
