The Byrds know how to write a pop song when they like the bowl haircuts. They pioneered a uniquely American brand of folk rock which still leaves even the most cynical of music fans with nostalgia. One of the most popular recordings is ‘Turn!’ Turn. Turn!, which was influenced by biblical scripture, was made.
The first demo ofTurn! was written by Pete Seeger. Go to turn! The live version of Turn! was used on his 1962 album The Bitter and The Sweet. The track was taken out of folk revivalist circles and given a dose of electricity after the success of their hit ‘Hey Mr Tambourine Man’. The band became one of America’s most celebrated acts after landing their second number one.
There are lyrics to turn! Turn.
In 1988, Seeger told Paul Zollo that he didn’t read the Bible often. I leaf through it occasionally and I am amazed by the foolishness and wisdom at other times. I think it’s the best book of folklore ever written. A lot of wisdom can be found in it. There is a way to trace the history of people poetically.
Explaining how the song came about, Seeger said, “I got a letter from my publisher, and he says, ‘Pete, I can’t sell these protest songs you write’.” I was angry at the same time. I sat down with a tape recorder and said, “I can’t write the kind of songs you want”. You must go to someone else. This is the only kind of song that I know how to write. In fifteen minutes, I improvised a melody from a slip of paper in my pocket. I gave it to him. I got a letter from him the next week that said it was wonderful. Just what I need. He sold it to the Limelighters and the Byrds in two months. I liked the record by the Byrds. All those steel guitars sound like bells.