Song meaning of New Jerusalem by Orphaned Land

The lyrics of "New Jerusalem" by Orphaned Land depict the historical and religious significance of Jerusalem, particularly in relation to the Crusades and the ongoing conflicts in the region. Saracen blood spilled as crosses rise high refers to the religious conflicts that have plagued Jerusalem throughout history, with both Christians and Muslims sacrificing their lives for their beliefs.

The walls that surround the golden city like a crown of thorns symbolize the emotional and physical barriers that divide people in Jerusalem, representing the continuous mourning and suffering experienced by its inhabitants. The lyrics question whether this wailing and mourning will ever cease.

The song then shifts its focus towards a message of hope and unity. It portrays the construction of the New Jerusalem as a collective effort, with men and children toiling in the sun to build a city with no walls separating father and son.

The green and pleasant fields surrounding the city symbolize growth, peace, and harmony. The unity and shared purpose of building a new Jerusalem erases the bitterness and wasted lives of past crusades, allowing the inhabitants to breathe in a new era of hope and reconciliation.

Overall, the lyrics capture the complexity of Jerusalem's history, acknowledging the pain and sorrow it has endured, but also offering a glimpse of a united and harmonious future. It conveys a powerful message of peace, unity, and the potential for healing in a city that has been torn apart by religious and political conflicts.