A traditional
Shaker/
Quaker hymn, the tune is also used for another
hymn called
The Lord of the Dance. It also pops up all over the place in
Americana, not the least as a musical theme in
Aaron Copland's
Appalachian Spring.
Tis a gift to be simple
Tis a gift to be free
Tis a gift to come down where we ought to be
And when we have come down to a place that is right
It will be in the valley of love and delight
When true simplicity is gained
To bow and to bend we will not be ashamed
To turn, turn, will be our delight
Till by turning, turning, we come out right.