Simple Gifts

This is a song about simplicity. It was written in 1848, by American songwriter, author, and elder of The United Society of Believers in Christ's Second Appearing, aka the Shakers, Joseph Brackett (1797–1882).

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Arranged for piano and voice - 2 pages. Hal Leonard.

Examples

Virtual choir - unaccompanied:

Singer with folk instruments:

Choir performance:

Instrumental - folklore band:

Instrumental - piano:

Lyrics

'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 asham'd,
To turn, turn will be our delight,
Till by turning, turning we come round right.

See more ...

• Hymns about simplicity
• American hymns