“Turn! Turn! Turn! (To Everything There Is a Season)” is a timeless anthem of peace and acceptance, delivered by the American rock band, The Byrds, in 1965. The Byrds, pioneers of folk-rock and psychedelic rock, were known for their signature jangling 12-string guitar sound and harmonious vocals, both of which are prominently featured in this iconic track.
The song’s lyrics are almost entirely taken from the Book of Ecclesiastes in the Bible, with Pete Seeger adapting the verses into a song format in the late 1950s. The Byrds’ version, arranged by Roger McGuinn, transformed the folk song into a chart-topping hit. It reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in December 1965, becoming the band’s second number-one single, and solidified their place in music history. It spent three wees at the top, making it the song with lyrics adapted from the bible to reach the highest position in music charts.
The core message of “Turn! Turn! Turn!” revolves around the cyclical nature of life. It speaks to the inevitability of change, embracing both joy and sorrow, creation and destruction, war and peace. The repetitive “a time to…” structure emphasizes that every experience has its place and purpose within the grand scheme of existence. This message resonated deeply with audiences in the mid-1960s, a period marked by social upheaval and the Vietnam War.
The public response was overwhelmingly positive. The song’s gentle melody, combined with its profound message of hope and acceptance, offered solace and understanding during turbulent times. “Turn! Turn! Turn!” became an anthem for the peace movement, a call for understanding, and a reminder that even amidst chaos, there is a natural order to the universe. It continues to be a favorite, valued for its soothing melody and eternally relevant message.
