About the song
The Byrds and the Folk Rock Sound
The Byrds were an American rock band that originated in Los Angeles, California, in 1964. The band was known for its folk rock sound, which blended elements of folk music, rock and roll, and psychedelic rock. The Byrds were one of the most influential bands of the 1960s, and their music helped to define the sound of the era.
One of the Byrds’ most famous songs is “Turn! Turn! Turn!”, a cover of a song written by Pete Seeger. The song was originally released in 1962, but it became a hit when the Byrds recorded it in 1965. The Byrds’ version of the song topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart and became one of the band’s signature songs.
“Turn! Turn! Turn!” is a folk rock song with a simple, yet powerful message. The song’s lyrics are based on the biblical book of Ecclesiastes, and they speak to the cyclical nature of life. The song’s message is one of hope and resilience, and it reminds us that even in the midst of change, there is always beauty to be found.
The Byrds’ version of “Turn! Turn! Turn!” is a classic example of the band’s folk rock sound. The song features jangly guitars, 12-string Rickenbacker guitars, and a driving beat. The Byrds’ vocals are clear and harmonies are tight. The song’s production is simple, yet effective, and it allows the song’s message to shine through.
“Turn! Turn! Turn!” is a timeless classic that has been covered by many artists over the years. However, the Byrds’ version remains the definitive version of the song. It is a song that has stood the test of time, and it continues to resonate with listeners of all ages.
Key takeaways:
- “Turn! Turn! Turn!” is a folk rock song written by Pete Seeger and popularized by The Byrds.
- The song was originally released in 1962, but it became a hit when the Byrds recorded it in 1965.
- The Byrds’ version of the song topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart and became one of the band’s signature songs.
- The song’s lyrics are based on the biblical book of Ecclesiastes, and they speak to the cyclical nature of life.
- The song’s message is one of hope and resilience.
- The Byrds’ version of “Turn! Turn! Turn!” is a classic example of the band’s folk rock sound.
- The song features jangly guitars, 12-string Rickenbacker guitars, and a driving beat.
- The Byrds’ vocals are clear and harmonies are tight.
- The song’s production is simple, yet effective.
- “Turn! Turn! Turn!” is a timeless classic that has been covered by many artists over the years.
- The Byrds’ version remains the definitive version of the song.
Further Information:
- Genre: Folk rock
- Length: 3:49
- Written by: Pete Seeger
- Performed by: The Byrds
- Released: 1965
- Album: Turn! Turn! Turn!
- B-side: “It Won’t Be Wrong”
- Label: Columbia Records
- Producer: Terry Melcher
- Recorded: 1965
- Studio: Columbia Studios, Hollywood, California
- Personnel:
- Jim McGuinn: vocals, 12-string guitar
- Roger McGuinn: vocals, 12-string guitar
- David Crosby: vocals, rhythm guitar
- Gene Clark: vocals, tambourine
- Chris Hillman: vocals, bass guitar
- Michael Clarke: drums
Impact and Legacy:
- “Turn! Turn! Turn!” was a major hit for the Byrds, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States.
- The song was also a critical success, with many critics praising its message and the Byrds’ performance.
- “Turn! Turn! Turn!” has been covered by many artists over the years, including Pete Seeger, Joan Baez, and The Beach Boys.
- The song has also been used in several films and television shows, including “The Graduate” (1967), “Forrest Gump” (1994), and “The Sopranos” (1999).
- “Turn! Turn! Turn!” is considered to be one of
Video
Lyrics
“Turn! Turn! Turn!”
To everything – turn, turn, turnThere is a season – turn, turn, turnAnd a time to every purpose under heavenA 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 weepTo everything – turn, turn, turn
There is a season – turn, turn, turn
And a time to every purpose under heavenA 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 togetherTo everything – turn, turn, turn
There is a season – turn, turn, turn
And a time to every purpose under heavenA 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 embracingTo everything – turn, turn, turn
There is a season – turn, turn, turn
And a time to every purpose under heavenA 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!