Simple Gifts (Traditional Shaker)

A short but weighty hymn for this Sunday afternoon.
According to sources, Simple Gifts was written by Elder Joseph Brackett in 1848.
The song was mostly unknown outside of Shaker circles until the 1950s, when it was heard widely thanks to Aaron Copland including it in two of his popular scores.
Since then, it has permeated and influenced musical cultures around the globe.
The "turning" praised in the song is both literal and metaphorical--the lyric was used to lead people in "turning" while dancing together, and it points toward the traditional religious idea of "turning" from evil and sin, or "repenting" and starting a new life path on the good and pure road.
While definitely a jewel in the Christian religious song-bag, Simple Gifts speaks across traditions. For example, while I love it as a song from my own religious roots, is also calls to mind one of my favorite verses from the Tao Te Ching:
"In the pursuit of learning, every day something is acquired.
In the pursuit of the Tao, every day something is dropped.
Less and less is done
Until non-action is achieved.
When nothing is done, nothing is left undone.
The world is ruled by letting things take their course.
It cannot be ruled by interfering."
-Lao Tzu
'Tis a gift to be simple
'tis a gift to be free
'tis a gift to come round
where we ought to be
and when we find ourselves in the place just right
'twill be in the valley of love and delight
when true simplicity is gained
to bow and to bend
oh we shan't be ashamed
to turn, turn, will be our delight
'til by turning, turning
we come round right
to hear album version, sethmartinandt...

[@martha6014]

Just Love it!

[@sethmountain]

Thanks for listening!

[@martha6014]

@@sethmountain Frequently "turn" to this video - it truly helps to get "back right" after checking headlines. God Bless You!

[@sethmountain]

@@martha6014 thanks for saying that, it makes me really glad that my playing can be helpful like that.

[@kendalson7100]

Great song and performance. I love the Shaker people.

[@sethmountain]

Glad you liked that! Thanks for listening.

[@michaelmurphy9742]

Brother. It is midnight here. I'm having a moment. And you are here singing to me. With me we are soul, brother. We are strength. We are freedom. We might not be bowing down any more. ❤

[@sethmountain]

Loved the link you sent me, brother. Been reading up on him for days now.

[@raymondcrooke]

A song I've always loved, Seth. I'll be singing a version of this at church next Sunday.

[@sethmountain]

Wish I was there to sing along with you. thank you, Raymond.

[@DanDDirges]

We need more songs like this now more than ever. Excellent Seth!

[@sethmountain]

Thank you, Dan!

[@owenwswain]

One never tires of this tune. Happy First Day. P.S. love the doggies turning in the background. The beasts know best :)

[@sethmountain]

Thanks, Owen! Yes, I always feel happier (and maybe vindicated?) if I get a fair amount of feedback from neighborhood birds, cats or dogs during or after a song. :)

[@clawhammerchris]

What a wonderful message, Seth. Thank you!

[@sethmountain]

Thanks, Chris, an honor coming from you.

[@marylouhamilton6273]

miss Henry