RitualSong ‎#543

543. By the Babylonian Rivers

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1 By the Babylonian rivers
We sat down in grief and wept;
Hung our harps upon the willow,
Mourned for Zion when 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 the Cross be benediction
For those bound in tyranny;
By the power of resurrection
Loose them from captivity.

Text Information

• First Line: By the Babylonian rivers
• Title: By the Babylonian Rivers
• Meter: 8 7 8 7
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1996
• Scripture:
  Psalm 137
• Topic: Comfort; Confidence; Cross; Exile; Freedom; Hope; Lent; Penance; Social Concern; Song; Suffering; Trust

Tune Information

• Name: KAS DZIEDAJA
• Arranger: Robert J. Batastini, b. 1942
• Meter: 8 7 8 7
• Key: d minor or modal
• Source: Latvian folk melody
• Copyright: Acc. © 1995, GIA Publications, Inc.