I was inspired to find out more about the song "Simple Gifts" after being so moved by it's melody at the Inauguration of Barack Obama. Below are the lyrics to the song. The original lyrics are italicized and the lyrics that were added sometime later follow.
'Tis the gift to be simple, 'tis the gift to be free,javascript:void(0)
'Tis the gift to come down where you ought to be,
And when we find ourselves in the place just right,
'Twill be in the valley of love and delight.
When true simplicity is gain'd,
To bow and to bend we shan't be asham'd,
To turn, turn will be our delight,
Till by turning, turning we come round right.
'Tis the gift to be loved and that love to return,
'Tis the gift to be taught and a richer gift to learn,
And when we expect of others what we try to live each day,
Then we'll all live together and we'll all learn to say,
(refrain)
'Tis the gift to have friends and a true friend to be,
'Tis the gift to think of others not to only think of "me",
And when we hear what others really think and really feel,
Then we'll all live together with a love that is real.
It is time for Americans to act with the new energy of a nation reborn. We have all asked for change but we must also act with change in mind. I hope not only for this country but for myself, that I can change.
It is January 20, 2009, and I am proud of America.
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