1

By the rivers of Babylon we were seated, weeping at the memory of Zion,

2

Hanging our instruments of music on the trees by the waterside.

3

For there those who had taken us prisoners made request for a song and those who had taken away all we had gave us orders to be glad, saying, Give us one of the songs of Zion.

4

How may we give the Lord's song in a strange land?

5

If I keep not your memory, O Jerusalem, let not my right hand keep the memory of its art.

6

If I let you go out of my thoughts, and if I do not put Jerusalem before my greatest joy, let my tongue be fixed to the roof of my mouth.

7

O Lord, keep in mind against the children of Edom the day of Jerusalem how they said, Let it be uncovered, uncovered even to its base.

8

O daughter of Babylon, whose fate is destruction happy is the man who does to you what you have done to us.

9

Happy is the man who takes your little ones, crushing them against the rocks.