1 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.

3 For there those who carried us away captive asked of us a song,
And those who ^aplundered us requested mirth,
Saying, “Sing us one of the songs of Zion!” ‡

4 How shall we sing the Lord’s song
In a foreign land?

5 If I forget you, O Jerusalem,
Let my right hand forget its skill!