“Turn! Turn! Turn!” by The Byrds is a song that has transcended its era to become a timeless anthem of peace, reflection, and the cyclical nature of life. Released in October 1965, it quickly became one of the band’s most iconic tracks, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song’s unique blend of folk rock, thoughtful lyrics, and jangly guitars helped to cement The Byrds‘ place in the pantheon of 1960s music and left a lasting legacy that continues to resonate today.
What sets “Turn! Turn! Turn!” apart from many other songs of its time is its lyrical content. The lyrics are almost entirely derived from the Book of Ecclesiastes in the Bible, specifically Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, with the verses set to music by Pete Seeger in the late 1950s. Seeger originally recorded the song in 1962, but it was The Byrds‘ interpretation that brought it to a much wider audience. The band’s version, with its lush harmonies and distinctive 12-string Rickenbacker guitar, captured the mood of the mid-1960s—a time of social change, upheaval, and a growing desire for peace and understanding.
The song’s structure is simple yet powerful, with each verse beginning with the phrase “To everything (turn, turn, turn), there is a season (turn, turn, turn),” followed by a series of contrasts that reflect the dualities of life: “A time to be born, a time to die; a time to plant, a time to reap.” This repetition, coupled with the gentle, melodic arrangement, gives the song a meditative quality, inviting listeners to contemplate the inevitability of change and the balance between joy and sorrow, war and peace, love and hate.
Musically, “Turn! Turn! Turn!” exemplifies The Byrds‘ signature sound, which blended the folk influences of Bob Dylan and Pete Seeger with the electric instrumentation and harmonies of rock music. Roger McGuinn‘s jangly 12-string guitar riff is instantly recognizable and became a defining feature of the band’s sound. The harmonies, led by McGuinn, Gene Clark, and David Crosby, are rich and resonant, adding a layer of emotional depth to the song’s introspective lyrics.
The success of “Turn! Turn! Turn!” came at a time when America was grappling with the Vietnam War, the civil rights movement, and other social changes. The song’s message of peace and the cyclical nature of life resonated with a generation searching for meaning and hope in turbulent times. Its biblical origins gave it a sense of gravitas and universality, while The Byrds‘ modern arrangement made it accessible and relevant to contemporary listeners.
One of the most remarkable aspects of “Turn! Turn! Turn!” is its ability to transcend its specific historical context and remain relevant to audiences over the decades. The themes of change, balance, and the passage of time are universal, making the song a timeless piece that can speak to any generation. Whether in times of personal reflection or broader societal challenges, the song’s message offers comfort and perspective, reminding us that life’s seasons, both good and bad, are part of a greater whole.
For The Byrds, “Turn! Turn! Turn!” was a pivotal moment in their career, solidifying their reputation as one of the leading bands of the 1960s folk rock movement. It followed the success of their earlier hit, “Mr. Tambourine Man,” and helped to further define the sound that would influence countless other artists. The song’s success also demonstrated the power of blending traditional folk elements with the energy and innovation of rock music, a formula that would become a hallmark of the band’s style.
In the years since its release, “Turn! Turn! Turn!” has been covered by numerous artists and used in various films, television shows, and cultural references, further cementing its place in popular culture. Its message of peace and the natural rhythms of life continues to resonate with listeners, making it a song that, like the seasons it describes, endures through time.
Ultimately, “Turn! Turn! Turn!” is more than just a hit song from the 1960s—it’s a reflection on the human experience, a meditation on the inevitability of change, and a reminder of the enduring power of music to connect us to the deeper truths of life. Whether you first heard it in the turbulent 1960s or are discovering it anew today, the song’s message remains as poignant and relevant as ever.
🎵 Let’s sing along with the 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