Simple Gifts
Shaker song, arranged by Saul Schechtman

Possibly the most famous of Shaker tunes, this arrangement begins with a first verse sung accapella, the voice ending precisely on pitch where the piano joins in, modulates to a higher key, and proceeds with a dancing accompaniment to the end. As happy a call to humility as was ever composed!

Text (as sung on this CD):

Tis the gift to be simple, ‘tis the gift to be free,
‘tis the gift to gladly be where we should be,
and when we know ourselves in the place just right,
‘twill be in the valley of love and delight.
When true simplicity is gained
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.