1 B y the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down. Yes, we wept, when we remembered Zion.

2 O n the willows in that land, we hung up our harps.

3 F or 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 can we sing Yahweh’s song in a foreign land?

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

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

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

9 H appy shall he be, who takes and dashes your little ones against the rock.