Three Shaker Songs draws its text from anonymous Shakers of the 19th century. The music reflects the very direct meddage of the texts: the joyous riddance of &ldquo,Old ugly&rdquo, (the Devil), a self-admonition not to be cross, sharp-tongued or willful, and an invitation to participate fully in life. The music does not use Shaker tunes, but is recognizably American in its rhythmic syncopations.