How Can I Keep From Singing

Robert Lowry · 1869

Public Domain

Starting point: Use

Overview

Classification

Doxology

What this song is saying

The song emphasizes continuous praise and singing to God despite life's challenges, reflecting themes of divine sovereignty and personal peace in Christ.

Examination notes

The song aligns with biblical themes of persistent praise and trust in God's sovereignty, as seen in Psalms 104:33 and Psalms 146:2. It encourages believers to sing despite life's difficulties, resonating with the assurance found in Isaiah 38:20.

Theological examination

Doctrine accuracy5 / 5Trinitarian clarity5 / 5Atonement5 / 5Scripture alignment5 / 5

Where this song is strong

The song emphasizes the enduring nature of worship and praise, aligning with Psalms 104:33 and Psalms 146:2, which speak of singing to the Lord as long as one lives. It also reflects themes of divine protection and peace, resonating with Psalms 32:7 and the peace of Christ.

Overall theological verdict

The song 'How Can I Keep From Singing' is doctrinally sound, emphasizing continuous praise and the peace found in Christ. It aligns well with the scriptural themes of singing to the Lord and finding solace in divine presence, as seen in Psalms 104:33 and Psalms 32:7. The lyrics reflect a strong theological foundation without any apparent concerns.

Lyrical examination

Lyrical quality5 / 5

Imagery

The song uses vivid imagery such as 'endless song' and 'fountain ever springing' to convey the perpetual and refreshing nature of divine joy and peace. These images align with scriptural themes of eternal praise and spiritual renewal.

Melodic character

The structure suggests a flowing, uplifting melody with repetitive choruses to emphasize the theme of continual praise.

Emotional impact

The song invites a posture of joyful resilience and unwavering faith, balancing personal reflection with universal themes of divine sovereignty and peace.

Line-by-line biblical alignment

This song's lyrics are in the public domain in the UK, so full lines are shown.

“My life flows on in endless song”
5 · Directly Biblical
This line captures the continuous nature of praise, resonating with Psalms 104:33, which speaks of singing to the Lord as long as one lives.
Psalms 104:33 (KJV)
I will sing unto the LORD as long as I live: I will sing praise to my God while I have my being.
“Above earth's lamentation”
4 · Strong Biblical Inference
This line contrasts earthly sorrow with heavenly joy, a theme consistent with the biblical promise of divine peace surpassing worldly troubles.
“I catch the sweet though far off hymn”
4 · Strong Biblical Inference
The idea of a distant hymn suggests a future hope or promise, akin to the 'new creation' in biblical eschatology.
“That hails a new creation”
4 · Strong Biblical Inference
This line aligns with the biblical theme of new creation, reflecting the transformative power of God's kingdom.
“No storm can shake my inmost calm”
5 · Directly Biblical
The line reflects the biblical assurance of peace in Christ, as seen in Psalms 57:7 where the heart is fixed in God.
Psalms 57:7 (ASV)
My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing, yea, I will sing praises.
“While to that rock I'm clinging”
5 · Directly Biblical
The metaphor of God as a rock is biblically grounded, symbolizing stability and refuge.
“Since Love is Lord of heaven and earth”
5 · Directly Biblical
This line affirms God's sovereignty and love, a central biblical truth.
“How can I keep from singing”
5 · Directly Biblical
The rhetorical question emphasizes the natural response of praise to God's goodness, akin to Psalms 146:2.
Psalms 146:2 (KJV)
While I live will I praise the LORD: I will sing praises unto my God while I have any being.
“Through all the tumult and the strife”
4 · Strong Biblical Inference
This line acknowledges life's challenges, yet implies a steadfastness in faith, similar to the perseverance seen in Isaiah 38:20.
Isaiah 38:20 (KJV)
The LORD [was ready] to save me: therefore we will sing my songs to the stringed instruments all the days of our life in the house of the LORD.
“I hear that music ringing”
4 · Strong Biblical Inference
The persistent music symbolizes enduring hope and faith, resonating with the theme of continuous praise.
“It finds an echo in my soul”
4 · Strong Biblical Inference
This line suggests an internalization of divine truth, echoing the psalmist's joy in Psalms 71:23.
Psalms 71:23 (ASV)
My lips shall shout for joy when I sing praises unto thee; And my soul, which thou hast redeemed.
“How can I keep from singing”
5 · Directly Biblical
Reiterates the theme of inevitable praise in response to God's presence, as seen in Psalms 146:2.
Psalms 146:2 (KJV)
While I live will I praise the LORD: I will sing praises unto my God while I have any being.
“What though the joys”
5 · Directly Biblical
Acknowledges the transient nature of earthly joys, yet affirms the enduring presence of the Lord, similar to Psalms 32:7.
Psalms 32:7 (ASV)
Thou art my hiding-place; thou wilt preserve me from trouble; Thou wilt compass me about with songs of deliverance. [Selah
“And comforts die”
5 · Directly Biblical
Continues the theme of earthly transience, emphasizing reliance on God.
“The Lord my Saviour liveth”
5 · Directly Biblical
Affirms the eternal life of Christ, a foundational Christian belief.
“What though the darkness”
5 · Directly Biblical
Acknowledges life's challenges while affirming God's presence, akin to Psalms 137:4.
Psalms 137:4 (KJV)
How shall we sing the LORD’S song in a strange land?
“Round me close”
5 · Directly Biblical
Continues the theme of divine presence amidst adversity.
“Songs in the night He giveth”
5 · Directly Biblical
Reflects God's provision of hope and comfort, resonating with the deliverance theme in Psalms 32:7.
Psalms 32:7 (ASV)
Thou art my hiding-place; thou wilt preserve me from trouble; Thou wilt compass me about with songs of deliverance. [Selah
“The peace of Christ”
5 · Directly Biblical
Affirms the peace given by Christ, a central tenet of Christian faith.
“Makes fresh my heart”
5 · Directly Biblical
Speaks to spiritual renewal, akin to the refreshing nature of God's presence.
“A fountain ever springing”
5 · Directly Biblical
Symbolizes the perpetual and life-giving nature of God's grace.
“All things are mine since I am His”
5 · Directly Biblical
Reflects the biblical promise of inheritance in Christ, affirming identity in God.
“How can I keep from singing”
5 · Directly Biblical
Reiterates the theme of inevitable praise, consistent with Psalms 146:2.
Psalms 146:2 (KJV)
While I live will I praise the LORD: I will sing praises unto my God while I have any being.

Context & suitability

Context fit4 / 5

Suitability

The song is well-suited for personal worship and reflection, as it emphasizes individual assurance and peace in God's presence, aligning with Psalms 104:33 and 146:2. It can also be suitable for corporate worship, particularly in settings that appreciate traditional hymnody and themes of perseverance through trials. The song's focus on personal experience and internal peace may not align with liturgical settings that emphasize communal confession or doctrinal declarations.

Similar songs you may want to examine

10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord)— Matt Redman
Both songs express a continual commitment to praise God, regardless of circumstances, similar to the sentiment in Psalms 104:33.
It Is Well with My Soul— Horatio Spafford
This hymn, like the song in question, emphasizes peace and steadfastness in faith amidst life's trials.
Great Is Thy Faithfulness— Thomas Chisholm
Both songs highlight God's unchanging nature and faithfulness, resonating with themes of divine constancy and assurance.

Source & background

About the songwriter

The song 'How Can I Keep From Singing' is often attributed to Robert Wadsworth Lowry, a Baptist minister and composer, who is believed to have written the music in the 19th century. However, the original lyrics are sometimes credited to Pauline T., a pseudonym for an unknown author, and were first published in 1868 in the New York Observer. The song has been adapted and recorded by various artists over the years, including Enya and Pete Seeger, which has contributed to its enduring popularity. The exact origins of the lyrics remain somewhat uncertain, and different versions have been used in various contexts.

The lyrics of 'How Can I Keep From Singing' are in the public domain. This is not legal advice.

Denominational context

The song is associated with a broad Christian context and has been embraced by various denominations, including Protestant and Catholic traditions. Its themes of enduring faith and joy resonate with many worship traditions, though it is not tied to a specific denominational doctrine.

Full lyrics

These lyrics are in the public domain in the UK and are shown in full.

Show / hide full lyrics

Verse 1
My life flows on in endless song
Above earth's lamentation
I catch the sweet though far off hymn
That hails a new creation

Chorus
No storm can shake my inmost calm
While to that rock I'm clinging
Since Love is Lord of heaven and earth
How can I keep from singing

Verse 2
Through all the tumult and the strife
I hear that music ringing
It finds an echo in my soul
How can I keep from singing

Verse 3
What though the joys
And comforts die
The Lord my Saviour liveth
What though the darkness
Round me close
Songs in the night He giveth

Verse 4
The peace of Christ
Makes fresh my heart
A fountain ever springing
All things are mine since I am His
How can I keep from singing

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