Introductioon:
“Turn! Turn! Turn! (To Everything There Is a Season)” is an iconic song by the American folk-rock band The Byrds. The single was released on October 1, 1965, and served as the title track for their second studio album, Turn! Turn! Turn!, which followed on December 6, 1965. The song is a quintessential example of the folk rock genre, characterized by its blend of traditional folk lyrical content with the electric instrumentation and pop sensibilities of rock music, specifically the “jangly” sound popularized by The Byrds’ twelve-string Rickenbacker guitar.
What makes “Turn! Turn! Turn!” particularly unique is its profound lyrical origin. Nearly all of the song’s words are taken almost verbatim from the biblical Book of Ecclesiastes, chapter 3, verses 1-8, a text traditionally ascribed to King Solomon in the 10th century BC. Folk musician Pete Seeger adapted these ancient verses into a song in 1959, and it was his arrangement that The Byrds, particularly lead guitarist Jim McGuinn (later Roger McGuinn), further adapted for their hit recording. This makes “Turn! Turn! Turn!” notable for being a number one hit with some of the oldest lyrics in popular music history.
The song achieved significant commercial success, cementing The Byrds’ position as pioneers of folk rock. It climbed to number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart on December 4, 1965, becoming their second chart-topper after “Mr. Tambourine Man.” It also performed well internationally, reaching number 3 on the RPM Top Singles chart in Canada and peaking at number 26 on the UK Singles Chart. Beyond its chart performance, “Turn! Turn! Turn!” became a cultural touchstone of the 1960s, its message of cyclical change and the acceptance of different times resonating deeply during a period of intense social and political upheaval. Its enduring legacy was further recognized in 2001 when the 1965 recording was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, acknowledging its historical and artistic significance. The song’s timeless message and The Byrds’ innovative musical approach ensured its place as a classic, continuing to be covered and cherished by artists and listeners alike for decades.