How Can I Keep From Singing?
Enya [1991] - Shepherd Moons Lyrics
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Above earth´s lamentations,
I hear the real, though far-off hymn
That hails a new creation.
Through all the tumult and the strife
I hear its music ringing,
It sounds an echo in my soul.How can I keep from singing?
While though the tempest loudly roars,
I hear the truth, it liveth.
And 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 heaven and earth
How can I keep from singing?
When tyrants tremble in their fear
And hear their death knell ringing,
When friends rejoice both far and near
How can I keep from singing?
In prison cell and dungeon vile
Our thoughts to them are winging,
When friends by shame are undefiled
How can I keep from singing?
Enya's song "How Can I Keep from Singing?" is an ode to the joy of music and the human spirit's invincibility. The song's opening line, "My life goes on in endless song," sings to the endless and healing nature of music. It's a testament to music's power to transport its listeners to a different world, free of the pain and despair of our daily lives. Enya also speaks to the real and comforting nature of music. She hears a far-off hymn that calls forth a new creation, a heavenly melody that resounds, comfort her soul, and elicit this question: "How can I keep from singing?"
The song's second verse highlights the role of music as a comforter during the darkest times. It provides solace even during life's difficulties and loudly roars. Furthermore, these songs provide hope and light in the face of darkness and struggle. Enya affirms that no storm can shake her inmost calm because she is clinging to the rock of love, which is the lord of both heaven and earth. The final verses are a reminder of the power of music to unite people in celebration and offer hope during times of struggle. The song expresses how Enya and all of us must keep on singing even in the midst of hardship, for music is a source of strength that sustains us all.
Line by Line Meaning
My life goes on in endless song
My life is a continuous melody
Above earth´s lamentations,
Above the sorrows of the world,
I hear the real, though far-off hymn
I hear the delightful melody of a new world that is still distant in the future
That hails a new creation.
A melody that celebrates a new world
Through all the tumult and the strife
Despite all the chaos and conflicts
I hear its music ringing,
I hear the joyful melody ringing
It sounds an echo in my soul.
The melody resonates with my spirit
How can I keep from singing?
How can I not sing this delightful melody?
While though the tempest loudly roars,
Even if the storm is really loud
I hear the truth, it liveth.
I hear the truth, it is alive.
And though the darkness 'round me close,
Even if darkness surrounds me
Songs in the night it giveth.
The darkness provides songs.
No storm can shake my inmost calm,
The storm cannot disturb my inner peace
While to that rock I´m clinging.
As long as I hold onto that rock
Since love is lord of heaven and earth
Because love is the ruler of everything
How can I keep from singing?
How can I not sing this delightful melody?
When tyrants tremble in their fear
Even when tyrants are afraid
And hear their death knell ringing,
And hear that their end is near
When friends rejoice both far and near
When friends celebrate, even if they are far away
How can I keep from singing?
How can I not sing this delightful melody?
In prison cell and dungeon vile
Even in prison and in horrible conditions
Our thoughts to them are winging,
Our thoughts fly to them
When friends by shame are undefiled
When friends remain pure despite shameful surroundings
How can I keep from singing?
How can I not sing this delightful melody?
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: EITHNE NI BHRAONAIN, NICKY RYAN, ROMA RYAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@lilyfaron5804
My life goes on in endless song
Above earth's lamentations,
I hear the real, though far-off hymn
That hails a new creation.
Through all the tumult and the strife
I hear it's music ringing,
It sounds an echo in my soul.
How can I keep from singing?
While though the tempest loudly roars,
I hear the truth, it liveth.
And 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 heaven and earth
How can I keep from singing?
When tyrants tremble in their fear
And hear their death knell ringing,
When friends rejoice both far and near
How can I keep from singing?
In prison cell and dungeon vile
Our thoughts to them are winging,
When friends by shame are undefiled
How can I keep from singing?
@Ashesthesecretwolf
I Listened to this song everyday while in the desert fighting it is what helped me keep not only my sanity but also my humanity.
@laura2372
May God be with you when the demons come calling, my friend. Thank-you for your courage and service.
@lindarasmussen298
I’m sorry that such a struggle happens and empathize with you. I pray for your continued strength.
@valleygirltotallyforsure
Thank you for your service. I pray you are not suffering from PTSD. . .and if you are I pray you are connected with the right services to assist you in feeling better. I work in mental health and our program for veterans is pretty awesome I hear. Let me know if I can give you any resource information. 🙏💛
@Sweetsoul717
Thank you for your witness and Strength!! Struggle builds strength! I listen to this too and It helps me transcend my painful childhood and the repeated betrayals in adulthood. My Lord carries me through, provides for me, gives me the strength to keep believing 💖🙏🏻💖
@dante8825
I so relate to that, i stared up at the night sky watching the stars whilst overseas listening to this. Like you it helped keep me connected to myself, to my sanity.
@briancooleyjefferses7004
My friend gave me this CD and I used to listen to it all the time. He ended up commiting suicide after we graduated high school. Now I just cry when I hear the songs. Why did you do it Chris? God this world is so messed up for people to want to die. People don't know how beautiful and wonderful they are because we forgot how to give love and live without making people feel bad about themselves. May all people that read this know that they are special and blessed to be here. I'll never forget you Chris Lee.
@iankrubel8753
I am so sorry for your loss. This happens much to often. The world almost seems like it’s unraveling right in front of you. People should really know how beautiful they make the world in other peoples eyes.
@lavieja4673
I'm so sorry. It's awful when something that brings you joy becomes haunted by sad memories. May your friend's memory be a blessing, and may you find joy in this music again (maybe not today or tomorrow, but some day)
@officersoulknight6321
Bless you, bless Chris, bless the world.