This is not a hymn, it's a humanist song written by the anti-religious William Blake and set to music by the atheist composer Charles Hubert Parry. It was hi-jacked by religious idiots who didn't understand the words.
This is not a hymn, it's a humanist song written by the anti-religious William Blake and set to music by the atheist composer Charles Hubert Parry. It was hi-jacked by religious idiots who didn't understand the words.
@bilboss1 I certainly agree that it is not a hymn in any conventional sense, and it doesn't serve or suit the purposes of organized religion. It doesn't belong at the Last Night of the Proms, and Billy Bragg, with his cockney accent -- probably not much different than Willian Blake's own accent -- is definitelly the right guy to sing it.
@bilboss1 what are you on? how can it be a humanist anthem - Blake believed in God just about all his poetry and painting are informed by the spiritual. Now toddle off and don't embarrass yourself in public again.
@ancientraver19881989 Ah, but he didn't believe in any ordinary Church God, that Old Forbidding Father he called "Nobodaddy." He believed in the redemption of humanity through the awakened imagination, a quite different thing, which was what he called God.
Classic British hymn? I think you'll find the words are part of Blake's poem 'Milton' and Blake was all about revolution. I'[ve studied Blake in depth and Billy Bragg sings the song with meaning & great understanding.
@folwert I might not always agree with Bily in regards of his politics but I have no doubt his heart in the right place. That comment was ignorant and untrue.
i love this song and i love billy. Listened to it as a small child often.
edithsmum 1 month ago
I dunno wot this idiot is spouting below about Billy hating England. he fact that he sings this song should tell you otherwise!
I for one would like it as our national anthem.
TD
The1200Dude 2 months ago
Well sang Billy Bragg.
Shivalan 4 months ago
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This is not a hymn, it's a humanist song written by the anti-religious William Blake and set to music by the atheist composer Charles Hubert Parry. It was hi-jacked by religious idiots who didn't understand the words.
bilboss1 5 months ago
This is not a hymn, it's a humanist song written by the anti-religious William Blake and set to music by the atheist composer Charles Hubert Parry. It was hi-jacked by religious idiots who didn't understand the words.
bilboss1 5 months ago
@bilboss1 I certainly agree that it is not a hymn in any conventional sense, and it doesn't serve or suit the purposes of organized religion. It doesn't belong at the Last Night of the Proms, and Billy Bragg, with his cockney accent -- probably not much different than Willian Blake's own accent -- is definitelly the right guy to sing it.
oakvillebrian 3 months ago
@bilboss1 what are you on? how can it be a humanist anthem - Blake believed in God just about all his poetry and painting are informed by the spiritual. Now toddle off and don't embarrass yourself in public again.
ancientraver19881989 1 month ago
Comment removed
bilboss1 1 month ago
@ancientraver19881989 Ah, but he didn't believe in any ordinary Church God, that Old Forbidding Father he called "Nobodaddy." He believed in the redemption of humanity through the awakened imagination, a quite different thing, which was what he called God.
skyboyq 2 days ago
His a lefty who hates England... right cheek to sing such a song... he should stick to russian commie songs.
diamondgeezeredl 6 months ago
Classic British hymn? I think you'll find the words are part of Blake's poem 'Milton' and Blake was all about revolution. I'[ve studied Blake in depth and Billy Bragg sings the song with meaning & great understanding.
snookybeans 7 months ago 5
HOW DARE THIS BASTARD DESTROY A CLASSIC BRITISH HYMN!
folwert 7 months ago
@folwert I might not always agree with Bily in regards of his politics but I have no doubt his heart in the right place. That comment was ignorant and untrue.
dirkbogarde44 6 months ago
Those dark satanic mills.
johnbarry1965 10 months ago
Billy is very patriotic. What you fail to recognise is the pathos and love of country that he has. Billy for Prime Minister!
captainnemotode 6 months ago