1 By the Babylonian rivers
we sat down in grief and wept,
hung our harps upon a willow,
mourned for Zion while we slept.

2 There our captors in derision
did require of us a song;
so we sat with staring vision,
and the days were hard and long.

3 How shall we sing the Lord's song
in a strange and bitter land?
Can our voices veil the sorrow?
Lord God, hold your holy band.

4 Let your cross be benediction
for those bound in tyranny;
by the power of resurrection
loose us from captivity.