Songs For Christmas : Lord of the Dance / Simple Gifts

The lyrics for Lord of the Dance were written back in 1967 by English songwriter Sydney Carter. The tune for the song came from Simple Gifts, a traditional hymn of the American Shakers, that dates back to 1848. In this version sung by Blackmore’s Night from their album Winter Carols, both songs are mashed together.

Slide your cursor over the highlighted words to view a popup window with its French translation.

Lord Of The Dance / Simple Gifts

I danced in the morning when the world had begun
And I danced in the moon and the stars and the sun
I came down from heaven and I danced on the Earth
At Bethlehem I had my birth

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

‘Tis a gift to be simple ‘tis a gift to be free
’Tis a gift to come down where we ought to be
And when we find ourselves in a place just right
We'll be in the valley of love and delight

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

When true simplicity is gained
To bow and to bend we shan’t be ashamed
To turn to turn will be our delight
Till be turning we come round right

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

I danced in the morning when the world had begun
And I danced in the moon and the stars and the sun
I came down from heaven and I danced on the Earth
At Bethlehem I had my birth

The original lyrics to Lord of the Dance

Lyrics to Simple Gifts