Simple Gifts, Riddle Song, Morning Has Broken

Subject: Simple Gifts, Riddle Song, Morning Has Broken
From: Fastbobby
Date: 27 Apr 99 - 02:58 AM

I am trying to find out the origins and/or any history behind the folk songs, "Simple Gifts," "The Riddle Song," and "Morning Has Broken." If anyone can help me out or point me in the right direction, it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks - Fastbobby

Subject: RE: Simple Gifts, Riddle Song, Morning Has Broken
From: JB3
Date: 27 Apr 99 - 03:44 AM

Fastbobby,

The words to "Morning Has Broken" were written by Eleanor Farjean, copyright 1957. The tune is listed as a "Gaelic Melody" in some Protestant church hymnals. I'm not sure which Cat Stevens album it was recorded on--I think that is what helped popularize it in recent years.
"Simple Gifts" is a Shaker hymn. The Shakers were a celebate sect that used dancing ("shaking") in their worship rituals. I'm sure there are 'catteers with more info and links about them. I like another of their songs, "Come Life, Shaker Life" which can be sung in a round and makes me feel like spinning and stomping around.
There are several versions of the "Riddle Song", which one are you interested in? One starts, "I will give my love an apple without e'er a core", another, "I gave my love a cherry without any stone." Both traditional, as far as I know, which is not nearly as far as Bruce O!
June

Subject: RE: Simple Gifts, Riddle Song, Morning Has Broken
From: Joe Offer
Date: 27 Apr 99 - 03:52 AM

Hi, Fastbobby - we had quite a discussion a while back about Morning Has Broken (click here), - identified as an old Gaelic melody, with lyrics by Eleanor Farjeon, 1931.
I think there was a discussion of "Simple Gifts," which is a Shaker hymn. It was used as the tune for Sydney Carter's Lord of the Dnce - found that one. Ah, here is a really good one.
One more....Click here for a discussion of the riddle song.
In order to preserve the continuity of the discussion, it might be good to add any further comments in the threads that have already been started for those songs.
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: Simple Gifts, Riddle Song, Morning Has Broken
From: Fastbobby
Date: 27 Apr 99 - 04:00 PM

My heartfelt thanks to you, June and Joe. You've made my first foray into the world of cyber-chat most pleasureable and rewarding. Thanks again. Fastbobby