How Can I Keep From Singing?
Daughters of St. Paul Lyrics

The lyrics to "How Can I Keep from Singing?" by the Daughters of St. Paul convey a profound sense of hope and faith amidst the trials and tribulations of life. The song speaks of a deep inner peace that transcends the lamentations and tumult of the world. It focuses on the power of music and the spiritual connection it brings.

The opening lines, "My life flows on in endless song / Above earth's lamentations," suggest an eternal quality to the singer's existence, as if their life is intertwined with a continuous melodic expression. The distance between the singer and the "real" hymn mentioned implies that there is a supernatural, transcendent element to the music they hear, as though it comes from a source beyond the earthly realm. This hymn heralds a "new creation," indicating a sense of renewal and rebirth.

The following stanza emphasizes the persistence of this music even amidst chaos and conflict. The singer hears the music ringing through tumult and strife, suggesting that this inner song sustains them and provides solace. The idea of an echo in the soul highlights the reverberation of this music within the deepest parts of their being. The rhetorical question, "How can I keep from singing?" expresses the overwhelming desire to sing and rejoice despite challenging circumstances.

The third stanza introduces a broader perspective, demonstrating that the power of music and singing is not just personal, but also has a social and political dimension. The reference to tyrants trembling with fear implies that the truth and power within the song can unsettle even the most oppressive rulers. In times of celebration, the song brings people together and evokes a sense of joy and unity. Even in prison cells and dungeons, thoughts of the music and its liberating effect reach out to those who are suffering unjustly, offering them solace and strength. The final question expands this communal aspect, reflecting on how anyone can resist singing when witnessing the resilience and courage of friends who remain uncorrupted by shame.