The Byrds – Turn! Turn! Turn!

About the song

Released in 1965, The Byrds’ “Turn! Turn! Turn!” became a defining anthem of the American folk-rock movement, bridging the gap between the idealism of the early ’60s and the cultural upheaval to come. Written by Pete Seeger in 1959 — with lyrics almost entirely lifted from the biblical Book of Ecclesiastes — the song was transformed by The Byrds’ jangly guitars, soaring harmonies, and crisp production into a chart-topping hit that resonated deeply with a generation on the cusp of change.

It became The Byrds’ second #1 single (after “Mr. Tambourine Man”) and remains one of the few pop songs to use scriptural text so faithfully while still feeling wholly contemporary. Its message — one of time, balance, and inevitable transformation — made it both a balm and a call to awareness during a turbulent era.

The story and style

At the heart of “Turn! Turn! Turn!” is a simple but profound concept: everything has its season. By adapting verses from Ecclesiastes 3:1–8, Seeger and, by extension, The Byrds tapped into a universal truth — that life is cyclical, and every action or emotion has its rightful time.

“To everything (turn, turn, turn) / There is a season (turn, turn, turn) / And a time to every purpose under heaven…”

The repetition of “turn” creates a mantra-like effect, reinforcing the idea of constant change. The verses cover a wide emotional range — birth and death, war and peace, mourning and dancing — but the tone remains meditative, not moralizing. It’s a song of reflection, not instruction.

Roger McGuinn’s lead vocal carries just the right blend of cool detachment and quiet reverence, while the harmonies from David Crosby and Gene Clark add warmth and cohesion to the biblical cadence.

The sound and production

Musically, “Turn! Turn! Turn!” is classic Byrds: shimmering 12-string Rickenbacker guitar, tight vocal harmonies, and a folk melody dressed up in a rock arrangement. Producer Terry Melcher gave the track a clean, chiming clarity that allowed it to stand apart from both pure folk and traditional rock.

McGuinn’s signature Rickenbacker arpeggios give the song a celestial quality, elevating the solemnity of the lyrics into something bright and hypnotic. The tempo is gentle but insistent, giving the feeling of time flowing forward, unstoppable and serene.

This blending of folk content with electric instrumentation helped solidify The Byrds as pioneers of folk-rock, a genre that would soon dominate the mid-to-late ’60s.

Legacy and cultural impact

“Turn! Turn! Turn!” arrived at a moment when America was deeply divided over the Vietnam War, civil rights, and generational identity. While the song never directly references those issues, its themes of peace, time, and transition resonated as deeply political — or perhaps spiritually political — to listeners.

It has since become an anthem of reflection during times of crisis, featured in countless films and documentaries, from Forrest Gump to The Wonder Years. Even today, it’s often invoked in moments of collective change, whether personal, societal, or environmental.

The Byrds’ version remains the definitive take, overshadowing earlier recordings by Seeger and even Judy Collins. It proved that you could take something ancient — in this case, biblical text — and, with the right touch, make it feel immediate and new.

Final thoughts

“Turn! Turn! Turn!” is more than just a folk-rock classic — it’s a quiet masterpiece of adaptation and restraint. By pairing ancient wisdom with modern sound, The Byrds created a timeless piece that speaks to the human condition across generations.

It reminds us that everything — joy, sorrow, conflict, healing — has its moment. And sometimes, all you need is a guitar, a few voices in harmony, and a message older than history to make that truth feel brand new.

Video

Lyrics

 

“Turn! Turn! Turn!”

To everything – turn, turn, turn
There is a season – turn, turn, turn
And a time to every purpose under heavenA 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!