1 B y the rivers of Babylon, There we sat down, yea, we wept When we remembered Zion.

By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down. Yes, we wept, when we remembered Zion.

2 W e hung our harps Upon the willows in the midst of it.

On the willows in that land, we hung up our harps.

3 F or there those who carried us away captive asked of us a song, And those who plundered us requested mirth, Saying, “Sing us one of the songs of Zion!”

For there, those who led us captive asked us for songs. Those who tormented us demanded songs of joy: “Sing us one of the songs of Zion!”

4 H ow shall we sing the Lord ’s song In a foreign land?

How can we sing Yahweh’s song in a foreign land?

5 I f I forget you, O Jerusalem, Let my right hand forget its skill!

If I forget you, Jerusalem, let my right hand forget its skill.

6 I f I do not remember you, Let my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth— If I do not exalt Jerusalem Above my chief joy.

Let my tongue stick to the roof of my mouth if I don’t remember you; if I don’t prefer Jerusalem above my chief joy.

7 R emember, O Lord, against the sons of Edom The day of Jerusalem, Who said, “Raze it, raze it, To its very foundation!”

Remember, Yahweh, against the children of Edom, the day of Jerusalem; who said, “Raze it! Raze it even to its foundation!”

8 O daughter of Babylon, who are to be destroyed, Happy the one who repays you as you have served us!

Daughter of Babylon, doomed to destruction, he will be happy who rewards you, as you have served us.

9 H appy the one who takes and dashes Your little ones against the rock!

Happy shall he be, who takes and dashes your little ones against the rock.