Simple Gifts

Yesterday the inauguration of Barack Obama featured a composition arranged by John Williams, well-known for his movie soundtracks. “Air and Simple Gifts” may not have succeeded as a classical composition, but I liked how Williams incorporated the old Shaker tune “Simple Gifts” into his arrangement. I used to sing “Simple Gifts” all the time and I think it was appropriate to hear it at this historic event.

“Simple Gifts” by Shaker Elder Joseph Brackett in 1848

‘Tis the gift to be simple, ’tis the gift to be free,
‘Tis the gift to come down where you 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.

“Simple Gifts” is actually a dance song, with step instructions, but has deeper meaning on a symbolic level.

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