In 1946, McCurdy began singing folksongs over the Canadian Broad casting Corporation radio system. In 1952, he began writing and performing for children's program's in radio and television, continuing to utilize folkmusic at every opportunity. Since late 1954, he has been living in New York City, and has appeared frequently in Televisions broadcasts for both adults and children originating from that city.
McCurdy is accompanied on second guitar, and banjo, by ERIK DARLING, an Upstate New Yorker who has been working out of New York City in recent years. Mr. Darling has made numerous recordings as a banjoist and singer, both as a solo performer and as an accompanist. He has performed extensively in concerts, and on television and radio, including several years on Oscar Brand's "Folksong Festival" over station WNYC. His most recent musical adventure has been performing as all integral part of an exciting new folksong trio, "The Tarriers", in whose success his instrumental and vocal talents have played an important role.
McCurdy died March 23, 2000
Simple Gifts
Ed McCurdy Lyrics
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This the gift to come down where we ought to be
And when we finf ourselves in the place just right,
It will be in the valley of love and delight.
When true simplicity is gained,
To bow and to bend, we will not be ashamed,
To turn and to turn will be our delight,
This the gift to be simple, this the gift to be free
This the gift to come down where we ought to be
And when we finf ourselves in the place just right,
It will be in the valley of love and delight.
The lyrics to Ed McCurdy's song "Simple Gifts" speaks about the idea of finding happiness and contentment in a life that is free of material possessions and complexity. The lyrics convey that simplicity is the greatest gift and that it allows individuals to find their way back to where they are supposed to be, which is the place of love and joy. The song implies that true happiness can be found when we surrender our desire for possessions and simplicity in life.
The lyrics also suggest that this simplicity provides us with the freedom to discover our true selves, and it liberates us from the social pressures that can become overwhelming at times. The words "To bow and to bend, we will not be ashamed, to turn and to turn will be our delight" implies that individuals will have the opportunity to explore their own path without the constraints of societal expectations. The song explicitly states that by turning and continuing to turn, one can eventually find their way back to the correct path.
The message of "Simple Gifts" is relevant today as we live in a society that is consumed by possessions and materialism. The song encourages us to find contentment in living a simple life and finding happiness in the small things. It is a powerful reminder to live life with simplicity and enjoy every moment in the present.
Line by Line Meaning
This the gift to be simple, this the gift to be free
The ability to live simply and freely is a precious gift.
This the gift to come down where we ought to be
We should strive to be where we belong, rather than chasing after things that aren't meant for us.
And when we find ourselves in the place just right,
There is a perfect spot for each of us where we can be truly happy and fulfilled.
It will be in the valley of love and delight.
That perfect spot is a place of love and joy, where we can thrive.
When true simplicity is gained,
When we embrace simplicity in our lives and let go of unnecessary complications,
To bow and to bend, we will not be ashamed,
We will be humble and flexible, not ashamed to make changes or adapt to new circumstances.
To turn and to turn will be our delight,
We will find joy in the process of constantly evolving and growing.
Till by turning, turning, we come round right
Through this process of growth and change, we will eventually find our way to exactly where we are meant to be.
Contributed by Elizabeth H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.