John Langstaff - Lord of the Dance

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"Simple Gifts" was composed in 1848 by Shaker Elder Joseph Brackett. Sometimes classified as a hymn or a work song, Shaker manuscripts identify it as a dance song. The lyrics, "To turn, turn will be our delight / Till by turning, turning we come out right," are clearly dance instructions.

In 1963, Sydney Carter adapted the tune of Simple Gifts to a new set of lyrics, "Lord of the Dance," and in 1977 John Langstaff made "Lord of the Dance" central to his Christmas revels. That's my favorite version of the song, and the version you're listening to here, with Langstaff singing the lead.

Dance is a universal expression of human joy, reflecting the state of the cosmos, for everything dances, from the tiny electrons all the way up to the greatest galaxies. And the image of Christ as the leader of the dance is His most appealing incarnation.

"Dance then, wherever you may be
I am the Lord of the Dance, said He!
And I'll lead you all, wherever you may be
And I'll lead you all in the Dance, said He!"

Видео John Langstaff - Lord of the Dance канала Bob Toomey