“Simple Gifts”

A SHAKER SONG by Joseph Brackett 1797-1882

(sung to the tune of “Lord of the Dance”)

‘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 gain’d,

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.

^

^

‘Tis a gift to be simple, ’tis a gift to be fair,

‘Tis a gift to wake and breathe the morning air.

And each day we walk on the path that we choose,

‘Tis a gift we pray that we’ll never lose.

^

^

When true simplicity is gain’d,

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.