1 By the rivers of Babylon, we sat down and cried as we remembered Zion.
2 In the midst of it we hung our harps on poplar trees.
3 It was there that those who had captured us demanded that we sing. Those who guarded us wanted us to entertain them. They said: »Sing a song from Zion for us!«
4 How could we sing Jehovahs song in a foreign land?
5 If I forget you, Jerusalem, let my right hand forget how to play the harp.
6 Let my tongue stick to the roof of my mouth if I do not remember you, if I do not consider Jerusalem my highest joy.
7 O Jehovah, remember the people of Edom. Remember what they did the day Jerusalem was captured. They said: »Tear it down! Tear it down to its foundation.«
8 You destructive people of Babylon, blessed is the one who pays you back with the same treatment you gave us.
9 Blessed is the one who grabs your little children and smashes them against a rock.