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

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

2 We hung our harps upon the willows in the midst of it.

We hanged our harps upon the willows in the midst thereof.

3 For there, those who carried us away captive required of us a song; and those who wasted us required of us mirth, saying, Sing us one of the songs of Zion.

For there they that carried us away captive required of us a song; and they that wasted us required of us mirth, saying, Sing us one of the songs of Zion.

4 How shall we sing the LORD'S song in a foreign land?

How shall we sing the LORD'S song in a strange land?

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

If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget her cunning.

6 If I do not remember you, let my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth; if I do not prefer Jerusalem above my chief joy.

If I do not remember thee, let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth; if I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy.

7 Remember, O LORD, the children of Edom in the day of Jerusalem, who said, Tear it down, tear it down, even to its foundation.

Remember, O LORD, the children of Edom in the day of Jerusalem; who said, Rase it, rase it, even to the foundation thereof.

8 O daughter of Babylon, who are to be destroyed; happy shall he be who rewards you as you have served us.

O daughter of Babylon, who art to be destroyed; happy shall he be, that rewardeth thee as thou hast served us.

9 Happy shall he be who takes and dashes your little ones against the stones.

Happy shall he be, that taketh and dasheth thy little ones against the stones.