How Can I Keep From Singing?
Roisin and Celtic Spirit 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?
The lyrics to Roisin and Celtic Spirit's song "How Can I Keep From Singing?" speak to the idea that even in the midst of chaos and turmoil, there is still beauty and hope to be found. The singer describes a life filled with music and song, despite the sadness and despair of the world around them. They hear a "real" hymn that heralds a new creation, and they can't help but join in and keep singing.
The second verse continues this theme, speaking of the power of music to comfort and uplift. Even when the storm is raging and darkness surrounds them, the singer can still hear the "songs in the night" that give them hope and peace. They cling to a "rock" that gives them strength and keeps them calm, and they know that love is the force that rules over everything.
The final two verses celebrate the power of music to unite and inspire people, even in the face of tyranny and oppression. The singer imagines tyrants trembling in fear as the music rings out, and friends rejoicing together in defiance of their oppressors. Even in prison cells and dungeons, the singer's thoughts are with those who are fighting for freedom, and they keep singing as a symbol of hope and solidarity.
Line by Line Meaning
My life goes on in endless song
My life is full of an infinite song
Above earth's lamentations
Above the sorrowful cries of the world
I hear the real, though far-off hymn
I hear a true hymn, even though it is distant
That hails a new creation.
That celebrates a new beginning.
Through all the tumult and the strife
Despite all of the chaos and conflict
I hear its music ringing,
I hear its melody resounding
It sounds an echo in my soul
It reverberates within me
How can I keep from singing?
How can I resist joining in song?
While though the tempest loudly roars
Even when the storm rages loudly
I hear the truth, it liveth.
I hear the truth, and it lives on.
And though the darkness 'round me close
And even when darkness surrounds me
Songs in the night it giveth.
It gives me songs in the night.
No storm can shake my inmost calm
No storm can disrupt 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 reigns over all
How can I keep from singing?
How can I resist joining in song?
When tyrants tremble in their fear
Even when oppressors are terrified
And hear their death knell ringing
And hear the sound of their downfall
When friends rejoice both far and near
When my friends celebrate, no matter where they are
How can I keep from singing?
How can I resist joining in song?
In prison cell and dungeon vile
Even in the most miserable of places
Our thoughts to them are winging
Our thoughts fly towards them
When friends by shame are undefiled
When my friends remain honorable despite shame
How can I keep from singing?
How can I resist joining in song?
Contributed by Christian W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.