In the beginning of the watches. This would seem to be most naturally explained as referring to the first watch of the night. When most are wrapped in their first and sweetest sleep, the daughter of Zion is to "arise and cry."
Others explain, "at the beginning of each of the night watches;" i.e. all the night through. Previously to the Roman times, the Jews had divided the night into three watches (comp. 3:19). Pour out thine heart like water; i.
e. give free course to thy complaint, shedding tears meanwhile. The expression is parallel partly to phrases like "I am poured out like water" (Psalms 22:14), partly to "Pour out your heart before him" (Psalms 62:8).
In the top of every street; rather, at every street corner (and so Lamentations 4:1).