David Olney’s ”Jerusalem Tomorrow” paints a vivid, cinematic narrative of a charlatan preacher, cleverly juxtaposing his deceptive practices against the backdrop of genuine faith. The song unfolds in seven verses, each meticulously crafted to reveal the preacher’s descent into moral ambiguity and his eventual encounter with a figure who embodies true spiritual power.
The opening verses establish the preacher’s character. He boasts of his skills as a liar and even confesses to hiring an accomplice to feign lameness, a staged miracle designed to impress potential followers and bolster his credibility. However, his carefully constructed facade begins to crumble in a small desert town where his performance falls flat, the audience dispersing without contributing to his coffers. This initial setback forces him to confront the limitations of his charade and sets the stage for a pivotal encounter.
Drowning his sorrows in a bar, the preacher receives a disheartening assessment of his abilities. He is told that while his performance was adequate, another preacher who recently passed through the town operated on an entirely different level. This mysterious figure, whose methods and message sharply contrast with the protagonist’s, becomes a source of both intrigue and professional jealousy. The bar patron’s description of this other preacher sows the seeds of doubt and curiosity in the charlatan’s mind, prompting him to seek out this enigmatic individual.
The fifth verse unveils the stark differences between the two preachers. The successful preacher, unlike the protagonist, doesn’t preach fire and brimstone, but speaks solely of love. Even more remarkably, he shows no interest in monetary gain. This revelation underscores the hollowness of the protagonist’s own performances, highlighting the stark contrast between genuine spiritual conviction and opportunistic exploitation. The protagonist’s emphasis on spectacle and profit is juxtaposed against the other preacher’s message of selfless love, exposing the charlatan’s lack of true faith.
The subsequent verse details the continuing decline of the charlatan’s career. Every town he visits has already been captivated by the other preacher’s message, leaving the protagonist with dwindling audiences and empty pockets. Facing professional ruin, he decides to seek out his rival, not to expose him, but to propose a partnership. This decision marks a significant shift in the protagonist’s motivations, demonstrating his willingness to compromise his already dubious ethics in pursuit of success. He is no longer solely driven by greed, but also by a desire to understand and perhaps even emulate the other preacher’s captivating power.
The final verse and the song’s title, ”Jerusalem Tomorrow,” offer a poignant and ambiguous ending. The charlatan joins the other preacher’s entourage, accepting the promise of future payment. He rationalizes his decision, believing that aligning himself with this seemingly authentic spiritual leader is his best chance for survival. The closing lines, ”Jerusalem Tomorrow,” suggest a journey towards a significant religious destination, adding a layer of irony to the protagonist’s involvement. The ambiguity of his future, coupled with the weight of his past deceptions, leaves the listener pondering the ultimate destination of both the charlatan and the enigmatic preacher he follows.
The song’s narrative structure, reminiscent of a spaghetti western, utilizes a sidelong perspective to illuminate the shadow of a figure who could be interpreted as a Christ-like figure. While never explicitly named, this figure’s presence is felt throughout the song, serving as a constant reminder of the charlatan’s spiritual bankruptcy. The narrative avoids simplistic moral judgments, allowing the listener to interpret the characters and their motivations. The song explores complex themes of faith, deception, and the search for meaning, leaving a lasting impression long after the final note fades. While categorized as a folk song, ”Jerusalem Tomorrow” transcends genre, possessing a timeless quality that resonates with audiences regardless of their religious beliefs.
The song’s enduring power is further evidenced by its inclusion in a tribute album to David Olney, ”Can’t Steal My Fire.” The album features renowned artists such as Lucinda Williams, Mary Gauthier, Jimmie Dale Gilmore, and Steve Earle, each interpreting Olney’s songs in their own unique style. Buddy Miller’s rendition of ”Jerusalem Tomorrow” is particularly noteworthy, capturing the song’s essence with a depth and nuance that even surpasses Olney’s own recordings. This tribute album serves as a testament to Olney’s songwriting prowess and the enduring impact of ”Jerusalem Tomorrow” on the musical landscape.
