By the waters, the waters of Babylon We lay down and wept, and wept, for thee Zion We remember thee, remember thee, remember thee Zion By the waters, the waters of Babylon We lay down and wept, and wept, for thee Zion We remember thee, remember thee, remember thee Zion By the waters, the waters of Babylon We lay down and wept, and wept, for thee Zion We remember thee, remember thee, remember thee Zion
I listened to this when I was five. It always stuck in my mind. I'm 48 now. It still touches me. I'm not religious at all. Just the way everyone sings together. It's amazing.
No instrument is more powerful than the human voice. Every time I listen to this song I can't help but turn up my volume and sing along with the chorus.
I remember watching Mad Men with my father and then this song came up. I rarely saw him cry in front of me and there he was pouring tears sitting by my side. He passed two years ago. Now I listen to this song and I remember. And always will
Luz The scene is how the season comes to a close, and pushes past the idea of superficiality in the plot and reminds the viewer how deep the story actually runs.
Mr. Kelleher, I cannot *begin* to imagine your gut-wrenching pain and emptiness; I can't let my heart and soul go there. But please know someone out there holds you tightly.
This version has so much soul and pain in it that it almost feels like those lost souls came in and sang through the audience's voices. Not to forget, Don's mesmerizing voice, which as if lead those lost souls to some closure.
I listened to Don Mclean at such a young age. My father has great taste in music and introduced me to Don Mclean. This song moves me so much. When I heard this live version, I could not believe what I was hearing. His way of involving the audience here, especially at the very end, is so moving. They sound like a seasoned choir like this was staged or something. His voice perfectly blends the melody and flow of everyone. Just stunning how talented and genuine this man was. Is.
I also came here after hearing this song on Mad Men, which I am binge watching for the first time. I have known this song forever but forgot that it was Don McLean.
The audience was in the right state of mind, and Don helped them along. I guess, as a freind of mine likes to say, "the sun, moon, and stars were in the right place".
This was arraigned by both Don McLean and Lee Hays (1914-1981) of the seminal folk group The Weavers (his banjo styling is prominent in this). The melody is based on a canon by Philip Hayes (1738-1797), and the lyrics from Psalm 137.
Don Mclean explained in a later version of this song, that the psalm was scratched into the walls of a hut in Auschwitz [the worse nazi concentration camp] He was so so struck by this that he had to make a "modern version" of this music as a way to celebrate the music the idea and to honor victims of the Holocaust.
Please dont say "the worst nazi concentration camp", ive been to multiple and I can tell you that it would be unjust to the other millions that died in other camps.
Brilliant! It is an honour for me to post the first comment on what I believe will be a very popular RUclips upload. I remember hearing this for the first time about 30 years ago. I've been searching RUclips for it for about 2 years now. I decided to give it one more go. Can't believe it! 5 stars and straight to my favourites.
I've listened to most everything he has made. Your right! the perfect definition of art is communication. He does this on a level above most anyone. He is eternal as his music will live strong in so many people.
Few know that Babylon is is Baghdad. Hence the weep for Zion. I've always appreciated Don, he has a "leadership" within a lot of his music that is hard to find these days in other artists. Gary
Thank you for this- a sublime setting of the Psalm by Mr. McLean. Although I've loved his music since I was a child I've just discovered this gorgeous song whilst rooting around on the internet. There is another version of this on You Tube which I believe is the original recording on the American Pie album- no audience participation, just Don's ovely voice. Definitely worth a listen...
I fell in love with this melody. It is a very beautiful, yet simple one. The words used are haunting, but soothing. Scary, but with a glimpse of hope. I especially like the canon. The audience did a good job. They took it serious. Listening to this makes me feel feelings I never have felt. Also the point that you could argue over a lot is religion. Yes, the words are taken from a psalm, but at the same time something completely new was made out of them.
For the word of God is quick and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, bone and marrow and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Why does the word of God affect us so? We were designed for it to affect us. Today, if you want to hear His voice, harden not your heart.
Such a beautiful sounding song that I had not heard before until I watched an episode of Mad Men. The tune is memorable, and very enjoyable to sing. It's pastiche, reminiscent of renaissance rounds, is right up my alley. It's unfortunate that I will never sing it. The text is from Psalm 137. It's about regret and the contemplation of revenge including the threat of dashing of Babylonian children on the rocks.
Shawn Johnson Yes, it is a sad song; it's about people being kidnapped from their land and kept hostage in a foreign land, families murdered and ripped apart. I think they deserved a bit of anger.
+Michael Babbitt They did deserve a bit of anger, to say the least. The song however, like Don McLean says, has hope in it as well. I hope that Shawn does indeed find an opportunity to sing it at some point. Growing up, this song was sometimes included in worship during Holy Week, remembering Jesus' crucifixion as well as the suffering of humanity on a daily basis all around the world.
Like most cultural artifacts, its best to discard what offends you, keep what is of value. We have become less brutal as a civilization which is a good thing. Don't throw the baby out with the bathwater. It is a beautiful song of lamenting and longing for your rightful place in the world.
From our natural right, of being different, of being Jews, we grow the morality of our whole kind, all human beings. This is how it has been in the past 3,500 years.
My sister and I sang this in Jr High (in the mid 70s)..and still sing it in a round. It was taught to us by a public school music teacher, Mrs. Jelsma, in the 70s, what it represented and its origin. We must never forget. Music never let's us.
Jayden Banks yeah no I’m Christian so how about I speak for you? See how absurd you sound? Not all of us support Israel it’s only fanatical evangelicals
Jayden Banks how sad it is that good Christians like yourself support Israel more than leftist Jews , living in the diaspora and criticizing Israel. And I’m saying that as a Jewish Israeli man
This was written in the Bible. It's Psalm 137. It was first put to music in the 16th Century. This particular round melody was written in the early 1970's.
Singing in 'rounds', first person sings once right through, then second person starts when first person reaches second verse, third person when second reaches second verse, and so on... By the waters The waters Of Babylon. We lay down and wept And wept For thee Zion. We remember Thee remember Thee remember Thee Zion
The regret of Israel, who had so departed from their God that they were carried away into captivity. Who of us cannot relate? This song brings tears to my eyes. Psalm 137 - By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept, when we remembered Zion. 2 We hanged our harps upon the willows in the midst thereof. 3 For there they that carried us away captive required of us a song; and they that wasted us required of us mirth, saying, Sing us one of the songs of Zion. 4 How shall we sing the Lord's song in a strange land? 5 If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget her cunning. 6 If I do not remember thee, let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth; if I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy. 7 Remember, O Lord, the children of Edom in the day of Jerusalem; who said, Rase it, rase it, even to the foundation thereof. 8 O daughter of Babylon, who art to be destroyed; happy shall he be, that rewardeth thee as thou hast served us. 9 Happy shall he be, that taketh and dasheth thy little ones against the stones.
Singing in 'rounds', first person sings once right through, then second person starts when first person reaches second verse, third person when second reaches second verse, and so on... By the waters The waters Of Babylon. We lay down and wept And wept For thee Zion. We remember Thee remember Thee remember Thee Zion
I find this song is so profound and yet it has so few listeners. It comes from Psalms 137 and it leaves off the final phrase of that psalm for good reason but for those interested check it out in any Bible.
![I.N "HALLUCINATION" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/n5B5q1Hwt_U/mqdefault.jpg)
By the waters, the waters of Babylon
We lay down and wept, and wept, for thee Zion
We remember thee, remember thee, remember thee Zion
By the waters, the waters of Babylon
We lay down and wept, and wept, for thee Zion
We remember thee, remember thee, remember thee Zion
By the waters, the waters of Babylon
We lay down and wept, and wept, for thee Zion
We remember thee, remember thee, remember thee Zion
Psalm 137. Read it.
@@GizmoFromPizmo happy is the one.........
@@notaflyy - I know. It's so sad. The writer just wanted to get back at those monsters. So sad.
@@GizmoFromPizmo well hey us idoomeeanns are very specifically cursed, our fathers did terrible things to their half brothers. I wish we never were
I listened to this when I was five. It always stuck in my mind. I'm 48 now. It still touches me. I'm not religious at all. Just the way everyone sings together. It's amazing.
No instrument is more powerful than the human voice. Every time I listen to this song I can't help but turn up my volume and sing along with the chorus.
Mad Men, Episode 6, brought me here as well. A haunting, beautiful song.
me too
same here...
Milind Sathe yuuup
ZenFox ?
Me too
Not only does the audience sound amazing, but Don managed to bring out such haunting beauty and heart-tugging sadness from a single banjo.
Beautiful on so many levels. This song resonates with so many aspects of life.
I remember watching Mad Men with my father and then this song came up. I rarely saw him cry in front of me and there he was pouring tears sitting by my side. He passed two years ago. Now I listen to this song and I remember. And always will
And did you asked him why he cried? I know it's touching, but I'm courious about what personal memory he was brought to by the song.
Luz The scene is how the season comes to a close, and pushes past the idea of superficiality in the plot and reminds the viewer how deep the story actually runs.
I’m not crying, you’re crying...
My son passed 20 years ago this song is special to me thank you don
Mr. Kelleher, I cannot *begin* to imagine your gut-wrenching pain and emptiness; I can't let my heart and soul go there. But please know someone out there holds you tightly.
A grand angel choir, sang by people like you and me.
I'm not religious by any means but this song still expresses a great deal of remorse and sorrow. A very beautiful song.
Beautiful beautiful song. 2020 we are in Babylon now.😢
I can't believe that's only the audience, they sound amazing
By the waters
The waters
Of Babylon
We lay down and wept
And wept
For the Zion
We remember
Thee remember
Thee remember
Thee Zion
This version has so much soul and pain in it that it almost feels like those lost souls came in and sang through the audience's voices. Not to forget, Don's mesmerizing voice, which as if lead those lost souls to some closure.
We weep for the Jews who have suffered for their faith through the Old Testament and until now they are still here and strong. God bless the Jews.
*and now they are still here and strong. And will stay strong and faithful.
The song has that "Fiddler on the Roof" sound. God Bless the Jews.
already done
God, i miss the old folk singers. music like this just doesn't Exist anymore.
Then, recreate it. If you see something missing, you make it, write it... This is the only way we can create better world.
Dylan lives.
This song is so hauntingly beautiful
I listened to Don Mclean at such a young age. My father has great taste in music and introduced me to Don Mclean. This song moves me so much. When I heard this live version, I could not believe what I was hearing. His way of involving the audience here, especially at the very end, is so moving. They sound like a seasoned choir like this was staged or something. His voice perfectly blends the melody and flow of everyone. Just stunning how talented and genuine this man was. Is.
A classic, very moving. Rediscovered it in Mad Men
There's something about the tune and the lyrics that just bring a tear to one's eyes...
I teared. Though I'm no bible reader nor of Christian Religion, it struck me somehow.
That's the best sounding crowd I've ever heard.
Mad Men brought me here.
Respect, brother!
mad men
I also came here after hearing this song on Mad Men, which I am binge watching for the first time. I have known this song forever but forgot that it was Don McLean.
Same
me too
The audience was in the right state of mind, and Don helped them along. I guess, as a freind of mine likes to say, "the sun, moon, and stars were in the right place".
under rated comment. wonderfully said my friend.
This was arraigned by both Don McLean and Lee Hays (1914-1981) of the seminal folk group The Weavers (his banjo styling is prominent in this). The melody is based on a canon by Philip Hayes (1738-1797), and the lyrics from Psalm 137.
Wow, my goosebumps became alive when the audience started their duet. DAYUM!
Don Mclean explained in a later version of this song, that the psalm was scratched into the walls of a hut in Auschwitz [the worse nazi concentration camp]
He was so so struck by this that he had to make a "modern version" of this music as a way to celebrate the music the idea and to honor victims of the Holocaust.
Please dont say "the worst nazi concentration camp", ive been to multiple and I can tell you that it would be unjust to the other millions that died in other camps.
My god. No wonder it brings such emotion up. I wish peace upon those effected by the holocaust.
GERMAN death camp, not Nazi. Nazi nation never exist.
@@Polon_210 National Socialist German Workers Party ruled germany. National Sozialism is shortend to Nazi. So yes there was a nazi state
@@knecht6974 i don't think so
My youth long ago brought me here. Don McClean is not only about American Pie, though it's a great song :)
Sadness brought me here.
Brilliant! It is an honour for me to post the first comment on what I believe will be a very popular RUclips upload. I remember hearing this for the first time about 30 years ago. I've been searching RUclips for it for about 2 years now. I decided to give it one more go. Can't believe it! 5 stars and straight to my favourites.
What gets me, besides the audience voices, is how much emotion this man can get out of a banjo!
When every one starts singing....... I get chills every time!
LOVE THIS SONG
I've always listened to Don McLean. This is one of the rare times when the audience wasn't a disturbing voice.
Usually I'm not a fan when the audience sings to the performance. This is an exception.
Have you heard Bobby McFerrin's Ave Maria audience singalong? I think you'll probably love it
It really only works with hymns and stuff. That's what they're made for.
I understand, you come for a artist....... not for the audience. Sometimes you have exeption. Greetings from the Netherlands 💝
@@SunbatherInTheSnow Bobby Mcferrin - Ave Maria
ruclips.net/video/Utd6b4OcCq0/видео.html
This music is really haunting
I've listened to most everything he has made. Your right! the perfect definition of art is communication. He does this on a level above most anyone. He is eternal as his music will live strong in so many people.
Praying for the Peace of Israel.(Psalm 122:6)
love from israel♥️♥️♥️
What about the soul and emotion he got out of his audience? This whole track amazes me.
And this man made it into a beautiful and sad song. Where did musical brilliance like this go man?
What astonishes me is how much soul and emotion that McLean managed to get out of a simple banjo. Of course, the incredible vocals help.
This album was "our album" when we were first married. Still going now on year 32!
I feel in my soul
Few know that Babylon is is Baghdad. Hence the weep for Zion. I've always appreciated Don, he has a "leadership" within a lot of his music that is hard to find these days in other artists. Gary
The overlap is just magical.... Love this song !!!
Lamentations 5, a prayer for Restoration. This is God's time. We are his children. He wants us to come home to eat at the dinner table with Him.
Thank you for this- a sublime setting of the Psalm by Mr. McLean. Although I've loved his music since I was a child I've just discovered this gorgeous song whilst rooting around on the internet. There is another version of this on You Tube which I believe is the original recording on the American Pie album- no audience participation, just Don's ovely voice. Definitely worth a listen...
I fell in love with this melody. It is a very beautiful, yet simple one. The words used are haunting, but soothing. Scary, but with a glimpse of hope.
I especially like the canon. The audience did a good job. They took it serious.
Listening to this makes me feel feelings I never have felt.
Also the point that you could argue over a lot is religion. Yes, the words are taken from a psalm, but at the same time something completely new was made out of them.
For the word of God is quick and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, bone and marrow and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Why does the word of God affect us so? We were designed for it to affect us. Today, if you want to hear His voice, harden not your heart.
This song gets in my head from the past. Haunting, but one of Don's best works , imho. Thanks for posting it!
Beautiful
when they sang in cannon it sounded like ocean waves washing up on shore
when I hear this song, I imagine myself in Jerusalem praying at the Kotel once more.
wow the ending is incredible
god this man is gifted!
This is a masterpiece!
This, ladies and gentlemen, is why Don McLean is a legend.
Such a beautiful sounding song that I had not heard before until I watched an episode of Mad Men. The tune is memorable, and very enjoyable to sing. It's pastiche, reminiscent of renaissance rounds, is right up my alley.
It's unfortunate that I will never sing it. The text is from Psalm 137. It's about regret and the contemplation of revenge including the threat of dashing of Babylonian children on the rocks.
Shawn Johnson Yes, it is a sad song; it's about people being kidnapped from their land and kept hostage in a foreign land, families murdered and ripped apart. I think they deserved a bit of anger.
+Shawn Johnson I m like u i heard it when i watched mad men S01ep06 and i really liked it :D
+Michael Babbitt They did deserve a bit of anger, to say the least. The song however, like Don McLean says, has hope in it as well. I hope that Shawn does indeed find an opportunity to sing it at some point. Growing up, this song was sometimes included in worship during Holy Week, remembering Jesus' crucifixion as well as the suffering of humanity on a daily basis all around the world.
Like most cultural artifacts, its best to discard what offends you, keep what is of value. We have become less brutal as a civilization which is a good thing. Don't throw the baby out with the bathwater. It is a beautiful song of lamenting and longing for your rightful place in the world.
From our natural right, of being different, of being Jews, we grow the morality of our whole kind, all human beings. This is how it has been in the past 3,500 years.
My sister and I sang this in Jr High (in the mid 70s)..and still sing it in a round. It was taught to us by a public school music teacher, Mrs. Jelsma, in the 70s, what it represented and its origin. We must never forget. Music never let's us.
Great song we had to do this at school choir.
i sang it in Church Choir.
+Amy K Seavey I remember singing it both in public school and at Catholic Mass. Beautiful song, speaks to so many.
This song, based on a Psalm from the Bible, is relevant today.
Still, 💧.
Don Mclean is my favorite singer.
Don McLean's a master musician & wordsmith!
makes my cry...
Don McLean’s voice is so beautiful.
Don performed this song in the midst of the Yom Kippur War.
Jayden Banks speak for yourself
Jayden Banks yeah no I’m Christian so how about I speak for you? See how absurd you sound? Not all of us support Israel it’s only fanatical evangelicals
Jayden Banks how sad it is that good Christians like yourself support Israel more than leftist Jews , living in the diaspora and criticizing Israel. And I’m saying that as a Jewish Israeli man
@@ride0RgetR0DE0n If you bless Israel you'll be blessed, curse Israel and you'll be cursed.
Jerrie Kae why did Christianity prosper for nearly 2 millennia prosecuting Jews. It’s only recently that has changed
Awesome ! I never heard this alive version and all I have to say is just wonderful!
That round blew me away.
The perfect blending of melody, lyrics and sentiment interpreting Psalm 137
Thank you this is beautifully written, it is sad, it is broken souls but it is nessessarry. Thank you. Bonnie Baback Reno NV
This was written in the Bible. It's Psalm 137. It was first put to music in the 16th Century. This particular round melody was written in the early 1970's.
heartbreakingly beautiful
Wow, that was amazing.
that banjo is just purely haunting.
Thank you so much for posting this. I have mislaid my copy of this album and haven't been able to track down another copy. This is just awesome.
Loved this from 1971 when I picked up the American Pie album
i don't know if i cry or if i smile. It is so beautiful
Singing in 'rounds', first person sings once right through, then second person
starts when first person reaches second verse, third person when second reaches
second verse, and so on...
By the waters
The waters
Of Babylon.
We lay down and wept
And wept
For thee Zion.
We remember
Thee remember
Thee remember
Thee Zion
yes, this is how my family and I sang it. beautiful song, and way always a pick me up after my favourite 'the grave'.
We sand this song in 7th grade choir class. And in 8th grade.
What really brings it together, is when Don kicks back in after the 3rd group began their set. Perfect assembly!
The regret of Israel, who had so departed from their God that they were carried away into captivity. Who of us cannot relate? This song brings tears to my eyes.
Psalm 137 - By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept, when we remembered Zion.
2 We hanged our harps upon the willows in the midst thereof.
3 For there they that carried us away captive required of us a song; and they that wasted us required of us mirth, saying, Sing us one of the songs of Zion.
4 How shall we sing the Lord's song in a strange land?
5 If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget her cunning.
6 If I do not remember thee, let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth; if I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy.
7 Remember, O Lord, the children of Edom in the day of Jerusalem; who said, Rase it, rase it, even to the foundation thereof.
8 O daughter of Babylon, who art to be destroyed; happy shall he be, that rewardeth thee as thou hast served us.
9 Happy shall he be, that taketh and dasheth thy little ones against the stones.
Thanks for posting, great tune first heard it on the folk program sometime ago, it's nice to find it
i remember this. i Love the audience participation long-version!
Brings me to tears every time I hear it
Singing in 'rounds', first person sings once right through, then second person
starts when first person reaches second verse, third person when second reaches
second verse, and so on...
By the waters
The waters
Of Babylon.
We lay down and wept
And wept
For thee Zion.
We remember
Thee remember
Thee remember
Thee Zion
The text is from the Bible (Psalm 137) and the music was written by English composer Philip Hayes in 1786. Don McLean just made a cover-version of it.
Haunting.
Gives me chills. Human beings are capable of such beauty. This song is like the diametric opposite of an episode of Jersey Shore. Thanks, Alan Z.!
Love this song... humbling.
My chorus class is gonna sing this.
im really blown away man
Babylon was hell. Zion is a dream...
Ta music je pourrai l'écouter des milliers et des milliers de fois car elle est magnifique
wow, this is simply beautiful
what a deep song... the melody is absolutly magic
Blows the 1:41 original out of the water. Friggin WOW!
I find this song is so profound and yet it has so few listeners. It comes from Psalms 137 and it leaves off the final phrase of that psalm for good reason but for those interested check it out in any Bible.
Haunting
I love this album.thanx
Love to sing this psalm.
This song is addictive
AMAZING don mclean is so talented
Beautiful.
never listened to this version. Tx for the introduction