About the song
“Turn! Turn! Turn! (To Everything There Is a Season)” is a song that seamlessly blends biblical scripture with folk rock, capturing a unique moment in music history. Written by Pete Seeger in 1959, the song’s lyrics are primarily adapted from the Book of Ecclesiastes, with Seeger’s words reflecting on the passage of time and the cyclical nature of life. Initially released in 1962 by the folk group The Limeliters and later by Seeger himself, the song garnered renewed attention when American folk rock band The Byrds released their version in 1965.
The Byrds’ adaptation of “Turn! Turn! Turn!” marked a pivotal moment in the evolution of folk rock. Released as a single on October 1, 1965, the song entered the U.S. charts at number 80 before ascending to the top position on the Billboard Hot 100 by December 4, 1965. It also achieved notable success internationally, reaching number 3 in Canada and number 26 on the UK Singles Chart. The Byrds’ rendition of the song is renowned for its distinctive folk rock arrangement, featuring jangly guitars and a rhythm that captures the essence of the emerging genre.
The decision to record the song stemmed from lead guitarist Jim McGuinn’s earlier arrangement of the track for Judy Collins’ 1963 album. During a 1965 tour, McGuinn’s wife requested the song, inspiring him to revisit it with a new rock-infused arrangement. Despite the song’s folk origins, McGuinn’s interpretation infused it with a contemporary rock sensibility, a move that was both innovative and fitting for The Byrds’ style. The recording process was meticulous, taking 78 takes over several days to perfect, which demonstrates the band’s commitment to crafting a memorable version of the song.
Critics and audiences alike praised the Byrds’ rendition. Billboard lauded the track as a “fascinating entry” with a solid dance beat, while Cash Box described it as a “tip-top version” of Seeger’s original. The song’s message of peace and tolerance resonated strongly with the American public, particularly in the context of the escalating Vietnam War.
The Byrds’ version of “Turn! Turn! Turn!” was not only a commercial success but also solidified the band’s reputation in the folk rock genre. It was featured on their second album, *Turn! Turn! Turn!*, released in December 1965, and became a staple of their live performances. The song’s influence extended beyond its initial success, appearing in numerous films and television shows, including *Forrest Gump* and *The Wonder Years*, and was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2001. It remains a powerful example of how folk traditions can be reimagined within contemporary contexts, resonating across generations with its timeless message.
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Lyrics
To everything, turn, turn, turn
There is a season, turn, turn, turn
And a time to every purpose under heaven
A time to be born, a time to die
A time to plant, a time to reap
A time to kill, a time to heal
A time to laugh, a time to weep
To everything, turn, turn, turn
There is a season, turn, turn, turn
And a time to every purpose, under heaven
A time to build up, a time to break down
A time to dance, a time to mourn
A time to cast away stones
A time to gather stones together
To everything, turn, turn, turn
There is a season, turn, turn, turn
And a time to every purpose under heaven
A time of love, a time of hate
A time of war, a time of peace
A time you may embrace
A time to refrain from embracing
To everything, turn, turn, turn
There is a season, turn, turn, turn
And a time to every purpose under heaven
A time to gain, a time to lose
A time to rend, a time to sew
A time for love, a time for hate
A time for peace, I swear it’s not too late