The Byrds – Turn! Turn! Turn! – 1965

About The Song

“Turn! Turn! Turn!” is a folk-rock song by The Byrds, released in 1965 as the title track of their second studio album. The song is known for its distinctive 12-string jingle-jangle guitar sound and its lyrics, which are largely adapted from the biblical book of Ecclesiastes. It became a signature song for The Byrds and is considered a classic of the 1960s folk-rock era.

Five Facts:

1. Biblical Inspiration: The lyrics of “Turn! Turn! Turn!” are adapted almost verbatim from the Book of Ecclesiastes in the Bible, with the exception of the repeated final line “Turn! Turn! Turn!” This gives the song a contemplative and timeless quality, emphasizing the cyclical nature of life.
2. Quick Recording Process: The recording of “Turn! Turn! Turn!” took place in one session on October 1, 1965, and it was released shortly afterward. The efficient recording process showcased the band’s tight musical chemistry and the experience they gained from their previous hit, “Mr. Tambourine Man.”
3. Chart Success: The song became a major hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States. The success of “Turn! Turn! Turn!” solidified The Byrds’ reputation as one of the leading bands in the folk-rock genre during the mid-1960s.
4. Signature 12-String Sound: Roger McGuinn’s distinctive 12-string Rickenbacker guitar playing is a defining element of the song. The jangly sound of the 12-string guitar became a signature feature of The Byrds’ sound and influenced many other bands in the folk-rock and jangle pop genres.
5. Cultural Impact: “Turn! Turn! Turn!” is not only a musical classic but also a reflection of the social and cultural changes of the 1960s. The song’s message of peace and the cyclical nature of life resonated with the era’s spirit of optimism and social transformation.

Video

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