This edition was prepared by Douglas Walczak — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
By Babylon's Waters
Staff Notation • Sacred, Anthems
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By Babylon's Waters by Henry Thomas Smart — Lyrics
By Babylon's waters
We sat down and wept!
No more by our daughters
Their glad harps were swept;
O'er the low meaning billows,
Their chords all unstrung,
From the boughs of my willows
Neglected they hung.
The oppressors who led us,
As captives, away,
Exultingly bade us
Restring them and play.
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About By Babylon's Waters
Henry Thomas Smart composed this anthem, By Babylon's Waters, for two-part treble voices (SA) with piano or organ accompaniment. The text, drawn from Psalm 137, poignantly describes the sorrow of the Israelites in exile, forced to lament their lost homeland by the rivers of Babylon. The composer captures the profound sadness and longing of the text, contrasting moments of despair with unwavering devotion to Zion. This sacred anthem is well-suited for unison or two-part choirs seeking to explore themes of remembrance and faithfulness through expressive, lyrical music. The English lyrics are deeply devotional and will resonate with congregations or audiences.
