Worship in Song ‎#271

271. 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,
It will 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 simple, 'tis the gift to be fair,
'Tis the gift to wake and breathe the morning air.
To walk every day in the path we choose.
'Tis the gift that we pray we never, never lose. [Refrain]

3 'Tis the gift to be knowing, 'tis the gift to be kind,
'Tis the gift to wait to hear another's mind,
That when we speak our feelings we might come out true,
'Tis the gift for me and the gift for you. [Refrain]

4 'Tis the gift to be loving, 'tis the best gift of all,
Like the warm spring rain bringing beauty when it falls,
And as we use this gift we might come to believe
it is better to give than it is to receive. [Refrain]

Text Information

• First Line: ’Tis the gift to be simple, 'tis the gift to be free
• Title: Simple Gifts
• Refrain First Line: When true simplicity is gained
• Publication Date: 1996
• Topic: Children; Freedom; Gifts; Kindness; Listening; Love; Simplicity
• Source: Vs. 1 Traditional American Shaker; Vs. 2-4 Traditional

Tune Information

• Name: ['Tis the gift to be simple, 'tis the gift to be free[
• Harmonizer: Ann M. Gilman
• Key: F Major
• Source: American Shaker tune
• Copyright: Harm. © Council for Religion in Independent Schools