This is an interesting song today. It’s a well-known melody, probably most familiar to us as the melody of song Lord of the Dance. However, it appears that its origins are as a Shaker dance song. The words of this song are as follows:

‘Tis the gift to be simple, ’tis the gift to be free
‘Tis the gift to come down 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 we shan’t be ashamed,
To turn, turn will be our delight,
Till by turning, turning we come ’round right.

The melody was used by Aaron Copeland in Appalachian Spring. My version is based on a lovely recording by American singer Jewel. I hope you enjoy this piece today!

First time here? Find out more about the 365 Songs project.

https://soundcloud.com/mark-pentleton/simple-gifts/s-cTU6x