The Boney M hit was a re-make of an old rock-steady hit for the Melodians, and the words are taken from a Bible Psalm. The Boney M lyrics are as follows, with the Melodians' words in brackets, where they were changed:
By the rivers of Babylon
Where we (he) sat down
And there we (he) went (wept)
When we (he) remembered Zion
For (Oh) the wicked carry (carried) us away (in) captivity
Require (required) from us a song
How can we sing King Alpha' s song
In a (Inna) strange land
So let the words of our mouth
And the meditations of our heart
Be acceptable in Thy sight
Here tonight (Oh verai!)