By the rivers of Babylon, we sat there and wept
as we remembered the holy city of Zion.

1.
We had our little harps with us,
but we could not bring ourselves to sing.
In our sorrow, we hung our instruments
upon the branches of the trees.

2.
Some of our captors asked us
to sing one of the joyful songs of Zion
for them in a foreign land.
They urged us to sing.

3.
But how could we sing the songs of the Most High God
in a foreign land?
So we, His servants, remained silent,
unable to sing.

4.
O Jerusalem, the glorious city,
the greatest and most honored of all cities,
may I never forget you.

5.
O city of supreme joy,
if I ever forget your name,
may my right hand forget its skill
and fail me.

6.
If I do not consider you
my greatest joy and delight,
may my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth
and may I be unable to speak.

7.
May the enemies who sought to destroy you
be brought to shame
when they see your glory and victory.

8.
O daughter of Babylon, destined for destruction,
blessed is the one who repays you
for what you have done to us.

9.
Blessed is the one who takes your little children
and dashes them against the rock,
repaying Babylon for the suffering
she inflicted upon God's people.