Simple Gifts

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For this classical Shaker song, wikipedia gives much information, including sheet music.

Writers

Joseph Brackett

Lyrics and direction

'Tis the gift to be simple, 'tis a gift to be free,          Hold hands, skip or run to the right

'Tis the gift to come down where you want to be,             Drop down on floor on knees

And when you have come down to the place just right,         Slap floor with hands

You will be in the valley of love and delight                Arms around each other's shoulders (still on floor) swaying.



When the true simplicity is gained,                          Bow alone head to floor 2 times

To bow and to bend, we won't be ashamed

Turning and turning will be our delight,                     Stand turning (twirl)

Till by turning and turning we come 'round right             Join hands and begin again



Source: Aneeta's Sufi Dancing in Poona, nr 40.

Album (unknown)

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