The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #32543   Message #428449
Posted By: AllisonA(Animaterra)
29-Mar-01 - 11:34 AM
Thread Name: ADD: Simple Gifts - alt lyrics
Subject: Lyr Add: SIMPLE GIFTS
In my school database are more verses to Simple Gifts:

SIMPLE GIFTS

1. '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.

REFRAIN: When true simplicity is gained
To bow and to bend we shan't be ashamed
To turn, turn will be our delight
'Til by turning, turning, we come round right.

2 'Tis the gift to be gentle, 'tis the gift to be fair,
'Tis the gift to wake and breathe the morning air;
And ev'ry day to walk in the path we choose,
'Tis the gift that we pray we may ne'er come to lose. REFRAIN

3 'Tis the gift to be loving, 'tis the best gift of all,
Like a quiet rain, it blesses where it falls;
And if we have the gift we will truly believe
'Tis better to give than it is to receive. REFRAIN

Now I know that verses 2 and 3 aren't Shaker, but where do they come from? They're fitting, for our school, but I'd like to know the source!