<P> "Lord of the Dance" is a hymn with words written by English songwriter Sydney Carter in 1963 . He borrowed the tune from the American Shaker song "Simple Gifts". The hymn is widely performed in English - speaking congregations and assemblies . </P> <P> It follows the idea of a traditional English carol, "Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day" which tells the gospel story in the first person voice of Jesus of Nazareth with the device of portraying Jesus' life and mission as a dance . </P>

Who wrote the song lord of the dance