“Rivers of Babylon” Written in Exile 2600 Years Ago

This emotional song is based on the Biblical Psalm 137:1-4, a hymn expressing the lamentations of the Jewish people in exile following the Babylonian conquest of Jerusalem in 586 BC. 

Previously, the Kingdom of Israel, after being united under King David and King Solomon, had been split into two, with the Kingdom of Israel in the north, which was conquered by the Assyrians in 722 BC, causing the dispersion of 10 of the 12 tribes of Israel. The southern Kingdom of Judah (hence the name Jews), home of the tribe of Judah and part of the tribes of Levi and Benjamin, was free from foreign domination until the Babylonian conquest, to which the Rivers of Babylon refers.

By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept, when we remembered Zion … They carried us away in captivity requiring of us a song … Now how shall we sing the LORD’s song in a strange land?

The namesake rivers of Babylon (in present-day Iraq) are the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. The song also has words from Psalm 19:15.

Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in Thy sight…

It is one of several pop songs whose lyrics are directly inspired by the Bible (see also Turn! Turn! Turn! by Pete Seeger, 40 by U2, and The Lord’s Prayer by Sister Janet Mead).

PSALM 137:1-4

1. By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat, we also wept when we remembered Zion.
2. On willows in its midst we hung our harps.
3. For there our captors asked us for words of song, and our tormentors asked of us mirth, “Sing for us of the song of Zion.”
4. “How shall we sing the song of the Lord on foreign soil?”
5. If I forget you, O Jerusalem, may my right hand forget its skill.
6. May my tongue cling to my palate if I do not remember you, if I do not bring up Jerusalem at the beginning of my joy.
7. Remember, O Lord, for the sons of Edom, the day of Jerusalem, those who say, “Raze it, raze it, down to its foundation!”
8. O Daughter of Babylon, who is destined to be plundered, praiseworthy is he who repays you your recompense that you have done to us.
9. Praiseworthy is he who will take and dash your infants against the rock.

PSALM 19:15

1. A song of David.
2. The heavens recite the glory of God, and the sky tells of the work of His hands.
3. Day to day utters speech, and night to night tells knowledge.
4. There is neither speech nor words; their voice is not heard.
5. Their line goes forth throughout the earth, and their words are at the end of the world; for the sun He made a tent therein.
6. And it is like a bridegroom emerging from his chamber; it rejoices like a mighty man running a course.
7. From the end of the heavens is its source, and its circuit is to their ends, and none is hidden from its heat.
8. The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul; the testimony of the Lord is faithful, making the simple one wise.
9. The orders of the Lord are upright, causing the heart to rejoice; the commandment of the Lord is clear, enlightening the eyes.
10. The fear of the Lord is pure, existing forever; the judgments of the Lord are true, altogether just.
11. They are to be desired more than gold, yea more than much fine gold, and are sweeter than honey and drippings of honeycombs.
12. Also Your servant was careful with them; for in observing them there is great reward.
13. Who understands errors? Cleanse me of hidden sins.
14. Also withhold Your servant from willful sins; let them not rule over me; then I will be perfect, and I will be cleansed of much transgression.
15. May the sayings of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable before You, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.