Psalm 137

W. van der Kamp, 1972

1. Along the streams of Babylon, in sadness
   We sat and wept, rememb’ring Zion’s gladness,
   And on the willows there we hung our lyre,
   For there our captors did our songs require;
   While we lamented, joy and mirth they wanted.
   “Sing for us one of Zion’s songs!” they taunted.
   
2. How shall we sing the LORD’s song in our anguish
   When in a foreign land we mourn and languish?
   Jerusalem, for love of you I cry;
   My right hand wither if I you deny.
   My mouth be dumb if ever I forget you,
   If not above my highest joy I set you!
   
3. Remember, LORD, how Edom showed no pity
   That day when Babylon razed Zion’s city,
   How Esau’s sons rejoiced and said to them,
   “Tear down, tear down all of Jerusalem.
   Destroy and raze it down to its foundations!”
   O God, do not forget their provocations.
   
4. O Babylon, destroyer, God shall smite you!
   How happy he, appointed to requite you
   With all the evil you to us have done!
   May all mankind your lonely ruins shun.
   How happy he who shall, devoid of pity,
   Dash on the rocks the children of your city!