“Turn! Turn! Turn! (To Everything There Is a Season)” is a folk-rock anthem released in 1965 by the American band The Byrds, a pivotal group in the burgeoning California music scene. Formed in Los Angeles, The Byrds were instrumental in popularizing folk-rock, blending the intellectual lyricism of folk music, exemplified by artists like Bob Dylan, with the electric instrumentation and driving rhythms of rock and roll. Known for their jangly Rickenbacker guitars, harmony vocals, and visually distinct mod fashion, The Byrds achieved widespread critical acclaim and commercial success throughout the mid-1960s. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1991, solidifying their legacy as pioneers of a new musical genre.
“Turn! Turn! Turn!” became one of The Byrds’ signature songs and a defining track of the era. It reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in December 1965, cementing the band’s mainstream popularity. The song’s lyrics, adapted almost verbatim from the Book of Ecclesiastes in the Bible, speak to the cyclical nature of life, encompassing themes of peace, war, love, and hate, all within the framework of changing seasons. This timeless message resonated deeply with a generation grappling with social and political upheaval.
The song’s message of hope and change, particularly its call for “a time for peace,” resonated powerfully amidst the escalating Vietnam War. The audience responded enthusiastically to the song’s universal themes. It became an anthem for peace movements and social activism, its simple yet profound message striking a chord with listeners who were searching for meaning and purpose. Critics lauded the song for its lyrical depth and its seamless fusion of folk and rock elements, cementing its place as a classic and an enduring testament to The Byrds’ musical innovation.