Released in October 1965, “Turn! Turn! Turn!” is one of The Byrds’ most iconic songs, reaching number one on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song was written by Pete Seeger in 1959, with lyrics adapted almost entirely from the third chapter of the biblical Book of Ecclesiastes. The Byrds’ rendition features their signature jangly guitars and harmonious vocals, encapsulating the essence of the 1960s folk-rock movement.
Turn! Turn! Turn!
Biblical Lyrics: The lyrics of “Turn! Turn! Turn!” are taken almost verbatim from Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, with the addition of the phrase “Turn! Turn! Turn!” and the final line, “I swear it’s not too late.”
Pete Seeger’s Composition: Folk musician Pete Seeger wrote the music and adapted the lyrics in 1959, but it was The Byrds’ 1965 version that popularized the song, turning it into a hit.
Album Success: The song is the title track of The Byrds’ second studio album, Turn! Turn! Turn!, released in December 1965.
