“Turn! Turn! Turn!,” released in 1965, is one of The Byrds’ most famous songs and a landmark in the folk-rock genre. With lyrics adapted almost entirely from the Book of Ecclesiastes in the Bible, set to music by Pete Seeger in the late 1950s, the song carries a timeless message of peace, change, and reflection. The Byrds’ version brought the song to mainstream success, blending folk, rock, and jangly guitar sounds that became their signature style.

About The Song

• Lyrics Interpretation: The lyrics of “Turn! Turn! Turn!” are derived directly from Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 in the Bible, which speaks to the cyclical nature of life and the inevitability of change. The recurring line, “To everything (turn, turn, turn), there is a season,” suggests that every experience, whether joyful or sorrowful, has its place in the natural order. Pete Seeger’s adaptation added a call for peace, making the song resonate as an anti-war anthem during the 1960s, a time of social upheaval and conflict.
• Historical Context: “Turn! Turn! Turn!” was released during a period of significant social and political change in the United States, including the civil rights movement and growing opposition to the Vietnam War. The song’s message of peace and reflection appealed to a wide audience, capturing the zeitgeist of the 1960s. The Byrds’ recording, with its harmonious vocals and folk-rock instrumentation, became a rallying cry for a generation yearning for peace and change.
• Cultural Impact: The Byrds’ version of “Turn! Turn! Turn!” quickly became a cultural touchstone, resonating with listeners as a call for peace, harmony, and understanding. It reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming a major hit and solidifying The Byrds’ status as one of the leading voices of the folk-rock movement. The song’s enduring popularity has made it a staple in American music, reflecting the social consciousness of the 1960s and its relevance in contemporary discussions of peace and justice.
• Musical Composition: “Turn! Turn! Turn!” features The Byrds’ signature jangly twelve-string guitar sound, played by Roger McGuinn, and layered harmonies that became the hallmark of their style. The arrangement, with its folk roots and rock sensibilities, helped define the folk-rock genre, blending traditional folk music with electric instruments. The song’s melodic structure and clean production emphasized its lyrical message, making it both accessible and impactful.
• Cover Versions: Over the years, “Turn! Turn! Turn!” has been covered by numerous artists across various genres, including Dolly Parton, Bruce Springsteen, and The Seekers, each bringing their unique interpretation to the song. These covers have helped to maintain the song’s popularity and relevance, introducing it to new audiences and reinforcing its message of peace, reflection, and change.

“Turn! Turn! Turn!” remains a timeless classic, celebrated for its lyrical wisdom, melodic beauty, and cultural significance. It continues to inspire listeners with its message of balance and harmony, proving that some songs are truly timeless in their appeal and impact.

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Lyric

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