Lyrics Page

By The Rivers of Babylon

By Merle Haggard + Willie Nelson

3,006 views Jun 19, 2026 updated Verified editorial review

Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson perform a rendition of the classic song 'By the Rivers of Babylon,' which is based on Psalm 137. The song reflects on the Israelites' exile in Babylon, where they mourned the loss of their homeland, Zion. It captures the pain of captivity and the longing to worship God freely. The lyrics also include a plea from Psalm 19:14 for words and thoughts to be acceptable to God. This version blends country and gospel styles, emphasizing themes of remembrance, faith, and hope in the midst of hardship.

Lyrics Verified by Editorial Team

By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down

Ye-eah we wept, when we remembered Zion


By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down

Ye-eah we wept, when we remembered Zion


When the wicked

Carried us away in captivity

Required from us a song

Now how shall we sing the Lord's song in a strange land


When the wicked

Carried us away in captivity

Requiring of us a song

Now how shall we sing the Lord's song in a strange land


Let the words of our mouth and the meditation of our heart

Be acceptable in thy sight here tonight


Let the words of our mouth and the meditation of our heart

Be acceptable in thy sight here tonight


By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down

Ye-eah we wept, when we remembered Zion


By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down

Ye-eah we wept, when we remembered Zion


By the rivers of Babylon (dark tears of Babylon)

There we sat down (You got to sing a song)

Ye-eah we wept, (Sing a song of love)

When we remembered Zion. (Yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah)


By the rivers of Babylon (Rough bits of Babylon)

There we sat down (You hear the people cry)

Ye-eah we wept, (They need their God)

When we remembered Zion. (Ooh, have the power)


Official Video

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