Babylon

Don McLean's song 'Babylon' is a poignant and reflective piece that draws heavily from the biblical Psalm 137, which expresses the sorrow and longing of the Israelites during their exile in Babylon. The lyrics are simple yet deeply evocative, capturing the essence of a people mourning their separation from their homeland, Zion. The repetition and the structure of the song, sung in rounds, amplify the sense of communal grief and remembrance, creating a hauntingly beautiful echo of sorrow and hope.

The phrase 'By the waters of Babylon' sets the scene of the Israelites' captivity, where they sat by the rivers of Babylon and wept for their lost homeland. This imagery is powerful, evoking a sense of desolation and yearning. The waters symbolize both the physical place of exile and the tears shed by the exiles. The act of laying down and weeping signifies a deep, almost paralyzing sorrow, a collective mourning that is both personal and communal.

The repeated invocation of 'Zion' underscores the central theme of remembrance and longing. Zion, representing Jerusalem and the spiritual home of the Israelites, is a symbol of hope and divine connection. The repetition of 'We remember thee, Zion' serves as a mantra, a way to keep the memory of their homeland alive despite the physical and emotional distance. This act of remembrance is both a form of resistance against their captors and a source of solace, a way to maintain their identity and faith in the face of adversity.

Don McLean's rendition of 'Babylon' is not just a song but a powerful meditation on loss, memory, and the enduring human spirit. It resonates with anyone who has experienced displacement or longing for a place or time that is no longer within reach, making it a timeless piece that speaks to the universal human experience.