How Can I Keep From Singing?
Roisin 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 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?
The song "How Can I Keep from Singing?" by Roisin represents the power of a joyous song in bringing comfort, hope, and strength to the heart of the singer. The lyrics suggest that the presence of an inner song can bring meaning and consolation to one's life, despite the difficulties faced in the world. The singer hears a hymn, real yet far off, that recognizes the end of creation and suggests the possibility of a new beginning.
The song emphasizes the singer’s resilience in the face of trials, claiming that music is what helps them maintain their sense of calm and inner peace. The lyrics suggest that even in tumultuous and adverse conditions, the music keeps ringing in the singer's soul, serving as a calming echo. The song connects the concept of the human soul being unshakeable to the idea of clinging to a rock in the midst of a storm, and also suggests that this calmness is made possible by the glory of love, which rules both heaven and earth.
In summary, "How Can I Keep from Singing?" is a hymn that speaks of the power of music and song to uplift, comfort and ultimately keep the spirit within a person alive in trying times.
Line by Line Meaning
My life goes on in endless song
My life is like an endless song
Above earth's lamentations,
Above all the sorrows and complaints on earth,
I hear the real, though far-off hymn
I hear the true song, though it is distant,
That hails a new creation.
Which welcomes a new beginning.
Through all the tumult and the strife
Despite all the chaos and conflicts,
I hear it's music ringing,
I hear its melody resounding,
It sounds an echo in my soul.
Its sound echoes within my soul.
How can I keep from singing?
How can I refrain from singing?
While though the tempest loudly roars,
Even when the storm is raging,
I hear the truth, it liveth.
I hear the truth, it lives on.
And though the darkness 'round me close,
Even when darkness surrounds me,
Songs in the night it giveth.
It gives me the songs of the night.
No storm can shake my inmost calm,
No storm can disturb my inner peace,
While to that rock I'm clinging.
As long as I hold onto that foundation.
Since love is lord of heaven and earth
Because love is the ruler of everything,
How can I keep from singing?
How can I stop myself from singing?
When tyrants tremble in their fear
When oppressors are afraid,
And hear their death knell ringing,
And hear the sound of their impending doom,
When friends rejoice both far and near
When my friends are happy, both near and far,
How can I keep from singing?
How can I not sing?
In prison cell and dungeon vile
Even when I am in a dark and unpleasant prison cell,
Our thoughts to them are winging,
My thoughts go out to them,
When friends by shame are undefiled
When my friends remain pure despite shame,
How can I keep from singing?
How can I keep myself from singing?
Writer(s): Doris Plenn, Traditional
Contributed by Connor V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.