1. By the rivers of Babylonthere we sat weepingwhen we remembered Zion.
2. On the poplars in its midstwe hung up our harps.
3. For there our captors asked usfor the words of a song;Our tormentors, for joy:“Sing for us a song of Zion!”
4. But how could we sing a song of the Lordin a foreign land?
5. If I forget you, Jerusalem,may my right hand forget.
6. May my tongue stick to my palateif I do not remember you,If I do not exalt Jerusalembeyond all my delights.
7. Remember, Lord, against Edomthat day at Jerusalem.They said: “Level it, level itdown to its foundations!”
8. Desolate Daughter Babylon, you shall be destroyed,blessed the one who pays you backwhat you have done us!
9. Blessed the one who seizes your childrenand smashes them against the rock.