1By the rivers of Babylon

there we sat weeping

when we remembered Zion.a

2On the poplars in its midst

we hung up our harps.b

3For there our captors asked us

for the words of a song;

Our tormentors, for joy:

“Sing for us a song of Zion!”

4But how could we sing a song of the Lord

in a foreign land?

5If I forget you, Jerusalem,

may my right hand forget.c

6May my tongue stick to my palate

if I do not remember you,

If I do not exalt Jerusalem

beyond all my delights.

7Remember, Lord, against Edom

that day at Jerusalem.

They said: “Level it, level it

down to its foundations!”d

8Desolate Daughter Babylon, you shall be destroyed,

blessed the one who pays you back

what you have done us!e

9*Blessed the one who seizes your children

and smashes them against the rock.f