Earlier it had been adapted by folk singer Pete Seeger and recorded by the Limeliters in April 1962.

It was arranged by Roger McGuinn and released by Judy Collins in December 1963.

Click here for the Limeliters version

Click here for the Judy Collins version

David Crosby, smiling rhythm guitar player on the left

Roger McGuinn, bespectacled lead guitar player on right

Turn Turn Turn based on Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

David Crosby died on Wednesday night, 18 Jan 2023 (US time). He had been asked in his last Twitter query, on January 18, about "who's allowed into Heaven"

"I heard the place is overrated…cloudy" Crosby quipped.

Well, that night, he knew. so many things in life can come suddenly, perhaps without any warning...

Dwelling on those famous words in Scripture

a time (et) for every purpose, i.e. desire, pleasure, under heaven

"Et" (pronounced Ayth) - no, it's not "extra-terrestrial" is an ancient Hebrew word spoken thousands of years ago, similar in sound and meaning to the English word "Age". The first two letters, not by chance, in the English word "Eternity". Also "Eighth".

Human language is interesting, hey.

"Turn Turn Turn" Pete Seeger 1962

Recorded initially by The Limeliters April 7 1962, and Judy Collins December 1963, with Roger McGuinn first a backing musician then the song arranger for Judy Collins.
Released by McGuinn's own band, The Byrds, in October 1965. It reportedly took 78 takes, spread over five days of recording, to complete. Then with its mix of vocal harmony and jangly twelve-string Rickenbacker guitar playing, by December it was number one on the Billboard charts. Played live on Ed Sullivan show the same week it reached number one. 

To everything (turn, turn, turn)
There is a season (turn, turn, turn)
And a time to every purpose, under heaven

A time to be born, a time to die
A time to plant, a time to reap
A time to kill, a time to heal
A time to laugh, a time to weep

To everything (turn, turn, turn)
There is a season (turn, turn, turn)
And a time to every purpose, under heaven

A time to build up, a time to break down
A time to dance, a time to mourn
A time to cast away stones, a time to gather stones together

To everything (turn, turn, turn)
There is a season (turn, turn, turn)
And a time to every purpose, under heaven

A time of love, a time of hate
A time of war, a time of peace
A time you may embrace, a time to refrain from embracing

To everything (turn, turn, turn)
There is a season (turn, turn, turn)
And a time to every purpose, under heaven

A time to gain, a time to lose
A time to rend, a time to sew
A time for love, a time for hate
A time for peace, I swear it's not too late

** End of Lyrics