Boney M. was a popular vocal group from Germany known for their catchy disco and reggae tunes in the 1970s. Their version of Rivers of Babylon brought the song to a wide audience and became one of their biggest hits, combining smooth rhythms with biblical lyrics.

Laer, Sublime, a California band, gave the song a raw, reggae-punk twist in the 1990s. They are known for mixing different styles and have also added a unique flavor to the track, showcasing the laid-back, gritty energy of their local music scene.

Additionally, another famous artist, Daniel O’Donnell, has also covered this song. He is an Irish singer well-known for his gentle voice and relaxed musical style. His version of Rivers of Babylon is calm and soothing, fitting well with his usual mix of country, folk, and easy-listening songs.

About the Song

Many people have connected with Rivers of Babylon over the years. It was first sung by The Melodians, a Jamaican group, in 1970.

The words come from the Bible and describe people who were far from home and felt sad. The song has a slow, thoughtful feeling in its original form.

Each artist gave “Rivers of Babylon” a unique sound. Boney M. made it upbeat, Sublime added a rough edge, and Daniel O’Donnell kept it gentle, yet the song’s message of hope and longing remains.

Lyrics of Rivers of Babylon by Boney M.

Chorus

By the rivers of Babylon
There we sat down
Yeah, we wept
When we remembered Zion
By the rivers of Babylon
There we sat down
Yeah, we wept
When we remembered Zion

Verse 1

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?

Verse 2

Let the words of our mouth and the meditations of our heart
Be acceptable in thy sight here tonight
Let the words of our mouth and the meditation of our hearts
Be acceptable in thy sight here tonight

Chorus

By the rivers of Babylon
There we sat down
Yeah, we wept
When we remembered Zion
By the rivers of Babylon
There we sat down
Yeah, we wept
When we remembered Zion

Instrumental Interlude

Chorus

By the rivers of Babylon
(Dark tears of Babylon)
There we sat down
(You got to sing a song)
Yeah 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)
Yeah we wept
(They need their god)
When we remembered Zion
(Ooh, have the power)

Lyrics of Rivers of Babylon by Sublime

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

Alpha the Wicked carried us away in 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 meditation of our heart
Be acceptable in thy sight
Oh, ‘Fari!

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

Alpha the Wicked carried us away in 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?

Lyrics of Rivers of Babylon by Daniel O’Donnell.

By the rivers of Babylon
Where we sat down
Yeah, and there we wept
When we remembered Zion

By the rivers of Babylon
Where we sat down
Yeah, and there we wept
When we remembered Zion

So let the wicked
Carry us away in captivity
Requiring of us a song
Now, how can we sing the Lord’s song
In a strange land?

So let the wicked
Carry us away in captivity
Requiring of us a song
Now, how can we sing the Lord’s song
In a strange land?

So, let the words of our mouth
And the meditation of our hearts
Be acceptable in Thy sight
Here, tonight

So, 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
Yeah, we wept
When we remembered Zion

By the rivers of Babylon
There we sat down
Yeah, we wept
When we remembered Zion

By the rivers of Babylon
There we sat down
Yeah, we wept
When we remembered Zion

By the rivers of Babylon
There we sat down
Yeah, we wept
When we remembered Zion

Similar Songs Like Rivers of Babylon

If you enjoy “Rivers of Babylon” by Boney M., Sublime, or Daniel O’Donnell, these songs share a similar tone, message, or style.

• Sunny: A bright disco cover filled with catchy rhythms and the same upbeat feel as their version of Rivers of Babylon.
• Santeria: This reggae-influenced punk track with a laid-back California vibe and a raw emotional tone.
• How Great Thou Art: It’s a traditional hymn performed in Daniel’s gentle, soothing style, much like his take on Rivers of Babylon.
• I Watch the Sunrise: This is a peaceful song about hope and reflection, with soft vocals and spiritual lyrics.

Similar Artists

Here’s a list of artists whose style or sound aligns with Boney M., Sublime, or Daniel O’Donnell, covering genres such as pop, reggae, and soft country.

• ABBA
  Genre: Pop, disco
  Top Album: Arrival
• UB40
  Genre: Reggae, pop
  Top Album: Labour of Love
• The Wailers
  Genre: Reggae
  Top Album: Catch a Fire
• Bradley Nowell (Sublime frontman)
  Genre: Reggae-punk
  Top Album: Sublime

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Message Behind the Song Rivers of Babylon?

The song, drawing from Psalm 137, speaks about people in exile longing for home. It expresses sorrow, reflection, and hope.

Are the Rivers of Babylon Lyrics the Same in Every Version?

While the core biblical lyrics are mostly retained, each artist made small lyrical and stylistic changes to suit their musical genre and audience.

Did Any of the Rivers of Babylon Versions Win Awards?

Boney M.’s version was a major commercial success, earning certifications and topping charts in several countries. It remains one of their most recognized songs.