Voicing:
2 Part Mixed Voices & Piano
2 Part Treble Voice
SATB, SATB Choir, SAB, Unison Choir with Piano
Duration:
3-5 minutes
Other notes:
The first known publication of the text was in The New York Observer in August 1868, attributed to “Pauline T” and originally titled “Always Rejoicing.” While Robert Lowry has traditionally been credited with the authorship of both the hymn tune and its lyrics, it is important to note that this may be another case of an overlooked female author in our musical history.
Text:
My life flows on in endless song
Above earth’s lamentation;
I hear the real, though far-off hymn
That hails a new creation.
Through all the tumult and the strife
I hear the music ringing.
It sounds an echo in my soul:
How can I keep from singing?
Although the tempest loudly roars,
I hear the truth, it liveth
But though the darkness ‘round me close,
Songs in the night it giveth.
No storm can shake my inmost calm
While to that rock I’m clinging;
Since love is lord of heav’n and earth,
How can I keep from singing?
The distance grows, the cloud appears;
I’ve known a broken spirit
I bid farewell and welcome tears
When once again I hear it:
The voices raised in spite of all
A simple hope they’re bringing.
To that old song I still belong;
How can I keep from singing?
I lift my eyes, the cloud grows thin;
I see the blue above it,
And day by day this pathway smooths
Since first I learned to love it.
The peace I find within my heart,
A fountain ever springing,
Is mine to love and mine to give;
How can I keep from singing?
