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It was written as a dance song, what the Shakers called a "Quick Dance." "Turning" is a common theme in Christian theology, but the references to "turning" in the last two lines have also been identified as dance instructions

The song, written in 1848, was largely unknown outside of Shaker communities until Aaron Copland used the melody in his 1944 composition Appalachian Spring.

These are the complete original words to the one verse Shaker song:

'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.

Two additional, later non-Shaker verses exist for the song, as follows:

'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)
Tis the gift to be loving, tis the best gift of all
Like a quiet rain it blesses where it falls
And with it we will truly believe
Tis better to give than it is to receive

And an additional alternative:

The Earth is our mother and the fullness thereof,
Her streets, her slums, as well as stars above.
Salvation is here where we laugh, where we cry,
Where we seek and love, where we live and die.

When true liberty is found,
By fear and by hate we will no more be bound.
In love and in light we will find our new birth
And in peace and freedom, redeem the Earth.

Another alternate verse:

'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 we never shall lose

~~~~~~~~~~~

I am grateful for simple gifts-

Gratitude Series 2013 - photo #149 - Kiitoksia oikein paljon - Finnish

Simple Plan by ArtistApproach

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Simple Vows 2020 by Province of St. Augustine

7/18/20

simple entertaining by heather

Simple Minds by Alexandre Ferreira

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Show do Simple Minds, no Via Funchal, em São Paulo.

Simple Plan by Alex Valentovich

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2022.05.15 - Simple Plan - Radius - Chicago, IL

simple nature by Nigel Burt

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Glass Blowers by Tracy Hunter

This young boy is learning the trade of glass blowing from his father and grandfather. He is starting with simple projects such as small vases and condiment bowls. All of the wares are made with recycled glass. So thier was a big bin of broken up bottles and such in a barrels divided into colors. It was fascinating to watch. This place was really off the beaten track. Jenny took us there. I wound up buying 12 condiment bowls for a total of 4 dollars.

simple minded by kate

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continuing with the simple theme. his and hers. simple skyp socks. mine are wild. his are tweedy.

Simple Plan by Katrina

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Simple Plan || March 14,2017 || Air Canada Centre

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Simple Things... by Annie

I've decided it would be a good idea to make a few simpler necklaces... Not everyone wants extravagance and that doesn't mean they want something dull and so I come to the rescue with these lovely strands of pearls and stones!

Simple Sky by julilove13

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Simple geometricdotwork piece by modernink fremantle

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Check out some great dotwork piece at Modern ink. #Moderninkfremantle #dotworktattoo

Simple Plan by Roberto Fierro

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Fotos para el Web Magazine The Concert in Concert

Simple Plan - Palacio Vistalegre - 12/03/12

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Simple characters by Quinn Daedal