Rivers of Babylon
Luciano Lyrics


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"Rivers Of Babylon"

By the rivers of Babylon
Where he sat down
And there he wept when he remembered Zion.

Oh from wicked, carry us away from captivity
Required from us a song
How can we sing King Alpha's song in a strange land?

So let the words of our mouth
And the meditations of our hearts
Be acceptable in thy sight
O-verride

By the rivers of Babylon
Where he sat down
And there he wept when he remembered Zion.

Oh from wicked, carry us away from captivity
Required from us a song




How can we sing King Alpha's song in a strange land?
How can we sing King Alpha's song in a strange land?

Overall Meaning

The song "Rivers of Babylon" by Luciano is actually a cover of a classic reggae song first recorded by The Melodians in 1970. The lyrics were inspired by the biblical tale of the Babylonian captivity, where Jews were exiled from Jerusalem to Babylon by King Nebuchadnezzar II in the 6th century BCE. The opening line, "By the rivers of Babylon, where we sat down, and there we wept when we remembered Zion," is taken directly from Psalm 137 in the Old Testament, which reflects the sadness and longing of the Jews for their homeland.


The song's lyrics continue to express the desire for freedom and the hope for a better future, even in the midst of captivity and oppression. When the Jews were taken captive, they were required to sing songs of praise for their captors. However, they longed to sing the songs of their true king, Yahweh, in a familiar land. Luciano's version of the song adds the reference to "King Alpha," a term used in Rastafarian culture to refer to the divine.


The song's message resonates with many people around the world who have experienced oppression and longing for freedom, particularly in the African diaspora. It has been covered by many artists over the years, including Boney M, who made it a hit in 1978. It has also been featured in several movies, TV shows, and commercials.


Line by Line Meaning

By the rivers of Babylon
In a foreign, hostile land reminiscent of Babylon, the singer feels trapped and oppressed.


Where he sat down
The singer is despondently resigned to his situation, and no longer has the strength to resist the oppression.


And there he wept when he remembered Zion.
The singer feels a deep sense of sadness and longing for his homeland, Zion.


Oh from wicked, carry us away from captivity
The artist is asking to be saved from the cruel oppressors that have taken him captive.


Required from us a song
The oppressors demand that the artist perform for them, even though he is in a strange land.


How can we sing King Alpha's song in a strange land?
The singer is questioning how he can possibly sing the praises of his Lord in a land where everything is unfamiliar and hostile.


So let the words of our mouth
The singer is pleading with God to empower him to speak the right words and express his heart's true emotions.


And the meditations of our hearts
The artist is also asking for guidance to direct his thoughts and feelings in the right direction, and to stay true to his faith.


Be acceptable in thy sight
The artist is hopeful that his prayers and efforts will be pleasing to God, and that He will hear his cries for help.


O-verride
The artist is calling on God to overcome the oppressors, and to save the people from captivity and oppression.




Contributed by Noah A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

@MrCharlesdobe

This song touches my heart. It's so beautiful, so sad yet so inspiring of Hope. I am a Christian and I feel that Isreal is in great Pearl. I pray God will save Zion from her enemies.

@joshh5189

U feel hurt 💔⛓⚖

@jascam1

Another uplifting songs that stirs the African Spirituality the flows within my very veins

@welewele4054

so wise❤💛💚🖤

@mmarimatv386

I love this song.

@geremiasgomessilvagomessil8621

Bela música e cantor.

@sibudlaminiable

greatest inspiration in these troubled times Jah bless you all peace loving people!!! By Sibusiso Dlamini

@MOSESTOVIAH

Righteous Version...Yah Bless InI Every Time...Hail HIM Highly High...Selah !

@BetsysH0pe

Beautiful...Simply beautiful. Thanks for sharing

@yahsoulja5162

Awesome truth and positive vibe

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