Background
The ever-popular “Simple Gifts” is but one of thousands of songs that were composed in over 200 years of the Shaker community’s existence. This medley lifts two other Shaker gems into the light: the sturdy dance tune “O Brethren, Ain’t Ye Happy?” and the winsome “Love is Little.” The surprise comes at the end of the arrangement, when the men sing “O Brethren, Ain’t Ye Happy” — introduced at the beginning in F minor — in F major, while the women simultaneously sing “Simple Gifts.”
Suitable for performance by mixed middle school choirs, mixed high school choirs, and any level of church choir. A great concert opener.
O Brethren, Ain’t Ye Happy
O brethren, ain’t ye happy?
Ye followers of the Lamb.
Sing on, dance on, followers of Emmanuel.
Sing on, dance on, ye followers of the Lamb.
O sisters, ain’t ye happy?
Ye followers of the Lamb.
Sing on, dance on, followers of Emmanuel.
Sing on, dance on, ye followers of the Lamb.
Love Is Little
Love is little, love is low;
Love will make our spirit grow —
Grow in peace, grow in light,
Love will do the thing that’s right.
Simple Gifts
‘Tis a gift to be simple, ’tis a gift to be free,
‘Tis a gift to come down where we ought to be.
And when we find ourselves in the place just right,
‘Twill be in the garden of love and delight.
When true simplicity is gained
To bow and to bend we shan’t be ashamed.
To turn, turn, will be our delight
Till by turning, turning we come ’round right.
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