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Song Lyrics: Turn! Turn! Turn! (to Everything There Is a Season)

In reading the book of Ecclesiastes there is one section that may be very familiar. It was used as song lyrics and set to music, which the Byrds recorded in 1965.

Compare Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 with the lyrics to Turn! Turn! Turn! (to Everything There Is a Season).

Songwriter Pete Seeger only added six words to complete the lyric portion of the song. They are the song’s last six words: “…I swear it’s not too late.”

In the version recorded by the Byrds as Turn! Turn! Turn! repeats the title as a mantra throughout the song. But the rest of the words come straight in the Bible.

In considering both the passage these words are taken from, as well as theme of the entire book of Ecclesiastes, these six words are an appropriate encouragement to not become bogged down with the issues of life, but to take action…because “it’s not too late.”

Who says rock and roll and the Bible don’t mix?

The Byrds version of the song, by the way, became an international hit in the mid-sixties, arguably making it the number one hit song with the oldest lyrics.

Thank you King Solomon. You rock!

[Read through the Bible with us this year. Today’s reading is Ecclesiastes 1-3 and today’s post is on Ecclesiastes 3:1-8.]

Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.

Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.

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