1. Beside the rivers of Babylonwe thought about Jerusalem,and we sat down and cried.
2. We hung our small harpson the willow trees.
3. Our enemies had brought us hereas their prisoners,and now they wanted us to singand entertain them.They insulted us and shouted,“Sing about Zion!”
4. Here in a foreign land,how can we singabout the Lord?
5. Jerusalem, if I forget you,let my right hand go limp.
6. Let my tongue stickto the roof of my mouth,if I don't think about youabove all else.
7. Our Lord, punish the Edomites!Because the day Jerusalem fell,they shouted,“Completely destroy the city!Tear down every building!”
8. Babylon, you are doomed!I pray the Lord's blessingson anyone who punishes youfor what you did to us.
9. May the Lord bless everyonewho beats your childrenagainst the rocks!