The song “Tis a Gift to Be Simple” is a traditional Shaker hymn that has been passed down through generations. The lyrics express a sense of gratitude for the simple things in life and the belief that true happiness comes from living in harmony with nature and one’s community.
The song’s origins can be traced back to the mid-1800s when it was first sung by the Shaker community at Mount Lebanon, New York. The lyrics were written by Elder Joseph Brackett, who was inspired by the Shaker’s belief in the importance of simplicity and humility.
The song’s message of simplicity and gratitude has resonated with people around the world, and it has been covered by numerous artists, including Joan Baez, Pete Seeger, and Harry Belafonte.
Tis a Gift to Be Simple Lyrics
The lyrics of “Tis a Gift to Be Simple” are a timeless expression of gratitude for the simple things in life. The song’s message of simplicity and contentment has resonated with people around the world for generations.
- Simplicity is a gift
- Contentment is true happiness
- Nature is a source of joy
- Community is important
- Humility is a virtue
- Gratitude is essential
- Life is a precious gift
The song’s lyrics are a reminder that true happiness comes from living in harmony with nature and one’s community. By embracing simplicity and gratitude, we can find contentment and joy in the everyday moments of life.
Simplicity is a Gift
The lyrics of “Tis a Gift to Be Simple” celebrate the virtue of simplicity. The song suggests that true happiness comes from living a simple life, free from the distractions and complexities of the modern world.
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Simplicity brings contentment
A simple life is often a more contented life. When we have fewer possessions and commitments, we have less to worry about and more time to enjoy the things that are truly important to us.
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Simplicity allows us to focus on what is important
In a complex world, it is easy to get caught up in the pursuit of material possessions and status. Simplicity helps us to focus on what is truly important in life, such as our relationships, our health, and our spiritual well-being.
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Simplicity is sustainable
A simple life is more sustainable for both the individual and the planet. When we consume less, we reduce our environmental impact and free up resources for others.
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Simplicity is a gift
The ability to live a simple life is a gift that should not be taken for granted. In a world that is often chaotic and stressful, simplicity can be a source of peace and tranquility.
The lyrics of “Tis a Gift to Be Simple” remind us that simplicity is not about deprivation or sacrifice. Rather, it is about living a life that is focused on what is truly important. By embracing simplicity, we can find contentment, happiness, and peace.
Contentment is True Happiness
The lyrics of “Tis a Gift to Be Simple” suggest that true happiness comes from contentment. Contentment is a state of mind in which we are satisfied with what we have and do not crave for more. It is a sense of inner peace and well-being that is not dependent on external circumstances.
There are many ways to cultivate contentment. One way is to practice gratitude. When we focus on the things we are grateful for, we become less likely to dwell on what we lack. Another way to cultivate contentment is to live in the present moment. When we are mindful of the present moment, we are less likely to worry about the future or regret the past.
Contentment is not the same as complacency. A complacent person is satisfied with the status quo and does not strive for improvement. Contentment, on the other hand, is a state of inner peace that allows us to accept the present moment while still working towards our goals.
True happiness comes from within. It is not something that can be found in material possessions or external circumstances. Contentment is the foundation of true happiness. When we are content, we are more likely to be happy, even in the face of challenges.
The lyrics of “Tis a Gift to Be Simple” remind us that contentment is a gift. It is a gift that we can cultivate through gratitude, mindfulness, and acceptance. By embracing contentment, we can find true happiness in the simple things in life.
Nature is a Source of Joy
The lyrics of “Tis a Gift to Be Simple” celebrate the joy that can be found in nature. Nature is a source of beauty, wonder, and inspiration. It can provide us with a sense of peace and tranquility, and it can help us to connect with our spiritual side.
There are many ways to experience the joy of nature. We can go for a walk in the woods, sit by a river, or simply look up at the stars. We can observe the changing seasons, the different plants and animals, and the beauty of the natural world.
Spending time in nature has been shown to have many benefits for our physical and mental health. It can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and improve our mood. It can also boost our creativity and problem-solving skills.
Nature is a gift that we should all cherish. It is a source of joy, inspiration, and well-being. By spending time in nature, we can connect with our surroundings, reduce stress, and improve our overall health and happiness.
The lyrics of “Tis a Gift to Be Simple” remind us that nature is a precious gift. It is a gift that we should all enjoy and appreciate. By spending time in nature, we can find joy, peace, and inspiration.
Community is Important
The lyrics of “Tis a Gift to Be Simple” emphasize the importance of community. Community is a group of people who share common interests, values, and goals. It can provide us with a sense of belonging, support, and purpose.
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Community provides support
When we are part of a community, we have people to turn to for support during difficult times. We can also rely on our community to help us celebrate our successes.
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Community provides a sense of belonging
When we are part of a community, we feel like we belong to something larger than ourselves. This can give us a sense of purpose and identity.
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Community provides opportunities for growth
When we are involved in our community, we have the opportunity to learn new skills, meet new people, and broaden our horizons.
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Community is essential for well-being
Research has shown that people who are involved in their community are more likely to be happy and healthy.
The lyrics of “Tis a Gift to Be Simple” remind us that community is essential for our well-being. By being involved in our community, we can find support, belonging, and purpose. We can also learn new skills, meet new people, and broaden our horizons.
Humility is a Virtue
The lyrics of “Tis a Gift to Be Simple” celebrate the virtue of humility. Humility is the quality of being modest and not arrogant. It is the opposite of pride and boastfulness.
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Humility is a sign of strength
Truly strong people are not afraid to admit their mistakes and weaknesses. They are also willing to learn from others.
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Humility is a sign of wisdom
Humble people are aware of their own limitations. They do not pretend to know everything.
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Humility is a sign of grace
Humble people are not concerned with their own status or reputation. They are more concerned with serving others.
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Humility is a gift from God
The Bible teaches that humility is a gift from God. It is a fruit of the Spirit.
The lyrics of “Tis a Gift to Be Simple” remind us that humility is a virtue that we should all strive for. It is a sign of strength, wisdom, grace, and God’s favor.
Gratitude is Essential
The lyrics of “Tis a Gift to Be Simple” emphasize the importance of gratitude. Gratitude is the quality of being thankful for what we have. It is the opposite of ingratitude and entitlement.
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Gratitude makes us happier
Research has shown that grateful people are more happy and optimistic than ungrateful people.
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Gratitude improves our relationships
When we express gratitude to others, it strengthens our relationships and makes us more likely to help others.
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Gratitude improves our health
Gratitude has been linked to better sleep, lower blood pressure, and a stronger immune system.
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Gratitude is a spiritual practice
Many religions and spiritual traditions teach the importance of gratitude. It is seen as a way to connect with God or a higher power.
The lyrics of “Tis a Gift to Be Simple” remind us that gratitude is essential for our well-being. It makes us happier, healthier, and more connected to others. It is also a spiritual practice that can help us to connect with God or a higher power.
Life is a Precious Gift
The lyrics of “Tis a Gift to Be Simple” celebrate the preciousness of life. Life is a gift that we should all cherish and appreciate. It is a gift that we have been given, and it is a gift that we can share with others.
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Life is a gift from God
Many people believe that life is a gift from God. It is a gift that we should be grateful for and use wisely.
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Life is short
Life is short, and it can be unpredictable. We never know how much time we have left, so it is important to make the most of every moment.
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Life is precious
Life is precious because it is a unique and unrepeatable experience. We only get one chance to live, so we should make the most of it.
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Life is a gift to be shared
Life is a gift that we can share with others. We can share our love, our laughter, and our support with others. We can also make a difference in the world by helping others.
The lyrics of “Tis a Gift to Be Simple” remind us that life is a precious gift. It is a gift that we should all cherish and appreciate. We should make the most of every moment and share our lives with others.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about the lyrics of “Tis a Gift to Be Simple”:
Question 1: What is the meaning of the song “Tis a Gift to Be Simple”?
Answer 1: The song “Tis a Gift to Be Simple” is a celebration of the simple things in life. It suggests that true happiness comes from living a simple life, free from the distractions and complexities of the modern world.
Question 2: Who wrote the lyrics to “Tis a Gift to Be Simple”?
Answer 2: The lyrics to “Tis a Gift to Be Simple” were written by Elder Joseph Brackett, a Shaker elder.
Question 3: When was “Tis a Gift to Be Simple” written?
Answer 3: “Tis a Gift to Be Simple” was written in the mid-1800s.
Question 4: What is the significance of the Shaker community in relation to “Tis a Gift to Be Simple”?
Answer 4: The Shaker community was a religious group that believed in the importance of simplicity and humility. The song “Tis a Gift to Be Simple” reflects the Shaker values of simplicity, community, and gratitude.
Question 5: How has “Tis a Gift to Be Simple” been used in popular culture?
Answer 5: “Tis a Gift to Be Simple” has been covered by numerous artists, including Joan Baez, Pete Seeger, and Harry Belafonte. It has also been used in films and television shows.
Question 6: What are the main themes of the lyrics of “Tis a Gift to Be Simple”?
Answer 6: The main themes of the lyrics of “Tis a Gift to Be Simple” are simplicity, contentment, gratitude, community, humility, and the preciousness of life.
Question 7: How can the lyrics of “Tis a Gift to Be Simple” inspire us to live a more meaningful life?
Answer 7: The lyrics of “Tis a Gift to Be Simple” can inspire us to live a more meaningful life by reminding us of the importance of the simple things in life, the value of contentment and gratitude, and the importance of community and humility.
The lyrics of “Tis a Gift to Be Simple” are a timeless reminder of the importance of living a simple and meaningful life. By embracing the values of simplicity, contentment, gratitude, community, humility, and the preciousness of life, we can find true happiness and fulfillment.
Tips
Here are some tips on how to live a simpler and more meaningful life, inspired by the lyrics of “Tis a Gift to Be Simple”:
Tip 1: Simplify your life
Take some time to declutter your life and get rid of anything that you don’t need. This includes physical possessions, commitments, and activities. By simplifying your life, you will have more time and energy to focus on the things that are truly important to you.
Tip 2: Be content with what you have
It is easy to get caught up in the pursuit of material possessions and status. However, true happiness comes from within. Be content with what you have and focus on the things that you are grateful for.
Tip 3: Spend time in nature
Nature is a great source of peace and tranquility. Spend some time in nature each day, even if it is just for a few minutes. Take some time to appreciate the beauty of the natural world and to connect with your surroundings.
Tip 4: Get involved in your community
Community is important for our well-being. Get involved in your community by volunteering your time, attending community events, or simply getting to know your neighbors. By being involved in your community, you can make a difference in the world and build lasting relationships.
By following these tips, you can live a simpler and more meaningful life. Remember, the simple things in life are often the most important.
Conclusion
The lyrics of “Tis a Gift to Be Simple” offer a timeless reminder of the importance of living a simple and meaningful life. By embracing the values of simplicity, contentment, gratitude, community, humility, and the preciousness of life, we can find true happiness and fulfillment.
In today’s fast-paced and complex world, it is easy to get caught up in the pursuit of material possessions and status. However, the lyrics of “Tis a Gift to Be Simple” remind us that true happiness comes from within. It comes from living a life that is in harmony with nature and our community.
By embracing the simple things in life, we can find contentment and joy. We can also find strength and wisdom in our community. And by living a life of humility and gratitude, we can make a difference in the world.
The lyrics of “Tis a Gift to Be Simple” are a reminder that we should all strive to live a life that is simple, meaningful, and true to our values. By doing so, we can find true happiness and fulfillment.
