[1] We sat by the rivers in Babylon and cried as we remembered Zion.
[2] We hung our harps on the willow trees nearby.
[3] In Babylon, the people who captured us told us to sing. They told us to sing happy songs. They told us to sing songs about Zion.
[4] But we can’t sing the Lord’s songs in a foreign country!
[5] Jerusalem, if I ever forget you, then I hope I never play a song again.
[6] Jerusalem, if I ever forget you, then I hope I never sing again. I promise, I will never forget you. I promise, Jerusalem will always be my greatest joy!
[7] Lord, punish the people of Edom for what they did when Jerusalem was captured. The people of Edom shouted, “Destroy Jerusalem’s buildings! Pull all the buildings down to the ground.”
[8] Babylon, you will be destroyed! Bless the man who gives you the punishment you should get. Bless the man who hurts you like you hurt us.
[9] Bless the man who grabs your babies and smashes them against a rock.