ALPHAVILLE – Jerusalem (1986)

“This situation needs a cure New assassins, new messiahs Keepers of a balanced law Strangest lovers of the fire Which ignites the halo of our souls Oh, in Jerusalem we pray It’s time to meet you there Let’s take love to Jerusalem, oh, yeah”

Alphaville’s song “Jerusalem,” from their album Afternoons in Utopia (1986), is a lyrical exploration of themes like spirituality, existential yearning, and the longing for peace. The lyrics evoke imagery of the ancient city of Jerusalem as a symbol of spiritual transcendence, cultural conflict, and the human quest for redemption or unity.

Waiting on this empty street Watching rivers’ waves go by Feeling mellow, lighting a cigarette Silver moon floats through the night Eris, princess of the isles Disperse your sparkling trace Lead it on to the house of love Where the gods may turn his eyes To Jerusalem we pray It’s time to meet you there Let’s take love to Jerusalem, oh yeah Let me know, love In Jerusalem, let me know You might be the one I’m waiting for I think we’ve met somewhere for sure Chasing shadows leaves you feeling blue This situation needs a cure New assassins, new messiahs Keepers of a balanced law Strangest lovers of the fire Which ignites the halo of our souls Oh, in Jerusalem we pray It’s time to meet you there Let’s take love to Jerusalem, oh, yeah Let’s take love To Jerusalem we pray It’s time to meet you there Let’s take love to Jerusalem, oh, yeah Oh Jerusalem Big yellow cadillac Carry me back home (carry me back home) On glory roads of pure delight We head out for the stars To Jerusalem we pray It’s time to meet you there Let’s take love to Jerusalem, oh yeah Rein our love