How Can I Keep From Singing
Enya feat. Ryan Lyrics


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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 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?

Overall Meaning

Enya feat. Ryan's song "How Can I Keep from Singing" is a reverent and deeply spiritual piece that reflects on the unshakeable joy and hope that come from a steadfast faith. The lyrics are simple yet powerful in their message, reminding listeners that no matter what trials and tribulations they may face in life, the soul can still find solace in singing praises to a higher power.


The song speaks to the enduring nature of song as a means of expression and connection throughout history. The singer asserts that their life goes on in endless song, above the "earth's lamentations," with a sense of peace and tranquility that comes from hearing the "real, though far-off hymn" that celebrates the creation of a new world. Despite the chaos and strife of the world, they can hear the music "ringing" through it all, echoing in their soul and filling them with the desire to sing.


The second verse speaks to the song's power to sustain us through the darkest nights of the soul. In the midst of tumult and despair, the singer asserts that they can still hear the truth, and that it gives them songs to sing even in the depths of darkness. They are unshakable in their conviction that nothing can overcome the calm they feel when they are clinging to the "rock" of love that rules over heaven and earth.


The final verses of the song speak to the universal nature of music as a source of connection and consolation. Whether it is the tyrants who fear their own mortality, or the prisoners who find solace in knowing that their thoughts and prayers can transcend their confinement, the singer asserts that music can bind people together across all boundaries. In the end, the song offers a message of hope and resilience, reminding us all that even in the darkest times, we can keep on singing.


Line by Line Meaning

My life goes on in endless song
My life is filled with never-ending song


Above earth´s lamentations,
Over the sorrows and sadness of the world,


I hear the real, though far-off hymn
I can hear the true hymn although it's distant


That hails a new creation.
That celebrates a new world being born


Through all the tumult and the strife
Despite all the chaos and difficulties


I hear its music ringing,
I can hear its melodies resounding


It sounds an echo in my soul.
It reverberates through my very being


How can I keep from singing?
How can I not join in and sing?


While though the tempest loudly roars,
Even amidst the roaring tempest,


I hear the truth, it liveth.
I am able to hear the truth, it is alive


And though the darkness 'round me close,
Even as darkness surrounds me


Songs in the night it giveth.
I still receive songs of hope and light


No storm can shake my inmost calm,
No storm can disturb my inner peace


While to that rock I´m clinging.
Because I am firmly holding onto that rock


Since love is lord of heaven and earth
Because love rules over all things


How can I keep from singing?
How can I not join in and sing?


When tyrants tremble in their fear
Even as oppressors tremble in their fear


And hear their death knell ringing,
And hear their own demise approaching


When friends rejoice both far and near
When friends are happy, whether close or distant


How can I keep from singing?
How can I not join in and sing?


In prison cell and dungeon vile
Even while in a horrid prison cell


Our thoughts to them are winging,
My thoughts and prayers are with them


When friends by shame are undefiled
When friends remain pure in the face of disgrace


How can I keep from singing?
How can I not join in and sing?




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Capitol CMG Publishing
Written by: EITHNE NI BHRAONAIN, NICKY RYAN, ROMA RYAN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

Lily Faron

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?



All comments from YouTube:

kontrahylian

Enya has the voice of an angel, she definitely captivates my spirit like no other Irish female singer out there. If there was a place in the Celtic pantheon I would nominate her to be Celtic godess of music.

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.

laura

May God be with you when the demons come calling, my friend. Thank-you for your courage and service.

Linda Rasmussen

I’m sorry that such a struggle happens and empathize with you. I pray for your continued strength.

Melanie Somera

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. 🙏💛

sweetsoul74

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 💖🙏🏻💖

Dante

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.

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Molly O'Malley

This was played at my Dads funeral last year. I always feel so connected to him when I listen to it... most beautiful voice ❤️

Robert Manke

We sang this song in church today... I'm singing and crying at the same time because Glory is real.

AC72CH

i wpuld Love to hear Enyas songs in a Church ....she is truöy gifted by God

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