<P> In the Rastafarian faith , the term `` Babylon '' is used for any governmental system which is either oppressive or unjust . In Jamaica , Rastafarians also use `` Babylon '' to refer to the police , often seen as a source of oppression because they arrest members for the use of marijuana ( which is sacramental for Rastafarians ) . Therefore , `` By the rivers of Babylon '' refers to living in a repressive society and the longing for freedom , just like the Israelites in captivity . Rastafarians also identify themselves as belonging to the Twelve Tribes of Israel . The original version specifically refers to Rastafarian belief in Haile Selassie , by changing references to `` the Lord '' in the Biblical text to `` Far - I '' and `` King Alpha '' . Both terms refer to Selassie ( Selassie 's wife Menen Asfaw is known as Queen Omega ) . In addition , the term `` the wicked '' replaces the neutral `` they '' of Psalm 137 in the line `` they that carried us away captive required of us a song ... '' . According to David Stowe , </P>
<P> In the Rastafarian faith , the term `` Babylon '' is used for any governmental system which is either oppressive or unjust . In Jamaica , Rastafarians also use `` Babylon '' to refer to the police , often seen as a source of oppression because they arrest members for the use of marijuana ( which is sacramental for Rastafarians ) . Therefore , `` By the rivers of Babylon '' refers to living in a repressive society and the longing for freedom , just like the Israelites in captivity . Rastafarians also identify themselves as belonging to the Twelve Tribes of Israel . The original version specifically refers to Rastafarian belief in Haile Selassie , by changing references to `` the Lord '' in the Biblical text to `` Far - I '' and `` King Alpha '' . Both terms refer to Selassie ( Selassie 's wife Menen Asfaw is known as Queen Omega ) . In addition , the term `` the wicked '' replaces the neutral `` they '' of Psalm 137 in the line `` they that carried us away captive required of us a song ... '' . According to David Stowe , </P>
who is king alpha in rivers of babylon
who is king alpha in rivers of babylon
Selassie
Selassie