The Irish Presbyterian Hymnbook ‎#P137

P137. By Babel's streams we sat and wept

1 By Babel’s streams we sat and wept,
when Zion we thought on.
2 In midst thereof we hung our harps
the willow trees upon.
3 For there a song required they,
who did us captive bring:
our spoilers called for mirth, and said,
A song of Zion sing.

4 O how the Lord’s song shall we sing
within a foreign land?
5 If thee, Jerusalem, I forget,
skill part from my right hand.
6 My tongue to my mouth’s roof let cleave,
if I do thee forget,
Jerusalem, and thee above
my chief joy do not set.

7 Remember Edom’s children, Lord,
who in Jerusalem's day,
Even unto its foundation, raze,
yea, raze it quite, did say.
8 O thou unto destruction doomed,
daughter of Babylon,
happy the man that doth to thee
as thou to us hast done.

9 Yea, happy surely shall he be
thy tender little ones
Who shall lay hold upon, and them
shall dash against the stones.

Text Information

• First Line: By Babel's streams we sat and wept
• Meter: DCM
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 2004
• Scripture:
  Psalm 137

Tune Information

• Name: OLD 137TH
• Meter: DCM
• Key: G Major
• Source: Anglo-Genevan Psalter, 1556