Simple Gifts


Simple Gifts was written by Shaker Elder Joseph Brackett, Jr. in 1848.
It was first published in The Gift to be Simple: Shaker Rituals and Songs.
Simple Gifts was a work song sung by the United Society of Believers in Christ's Second Appearing (more commonly called the Shakers, an offshoot of the Quakers).
Tis the gift to be simple,'tis the gift to be free,
'tis the gift to come down where you ought to be,
And when we find ourselves in the place just right,
It will be in the valley of love and delight.
Refrain:
When true simplicity is gained,
To bow and to bend we shan't be ashamed.
To turn, turn will be our delight,'
Til by turning, turning we come round right
'Tis the gift to be loved and that love to return,
'Tis the gift to be taught and a richer gift to learn,
And when we expect of others what we try to live each day,
Then we'll all live together and we'll all learn to say,
Refrain:
'Tis the gift to have friends and a true friend to be,
'Tis the gift to think of others not to only think of "me",
And when we hear what others really think and really feel,
Then we'll all live together with a love that is real.
Refrain:

the photo is one I took of Melissa and some of the rabbits she was raising back a few years

Comments

... Paige said…
This brings to mind a show on the history channel about that singer (who's name I don't know) being boycotted by "Christians" for her song "What if God was one of us?"

That song is too close for some folks, cause what if He were?

That song should shame more of us into reality.

Hey is that God sitting across the aisle from me on the bus?
Humm could it be...
Louise said…
Beautiful post.
Shellie said…
Patty, Thank you so much for publishing he lyrics here. I sang this song year and years ago for chorus but couldn't remember all of the words anymore. I was way too young then to really understand them anyway. They have much more meaning now that I'm older and a bit wiser. :)
Marci said…
I love that song. I also love that picture of Melissa. Isn't that the one that was on the cover of Countryside? What does Melissa think when she looks back on that picture?
i remember learning this song in girl scouts i think....i always liked it and like it still now. thank you for posting it on here! it's definitely appropriate!
Patty said…
Hi Marci,
Melissa just looks at pictures from her early years with fondness for what they taught her but she is now very much a confirmed "city girl".
It might be a bit different picture then what was on the cover. taken the same day though.

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