How can I keep from singing
Karen P. Thomas
About this work:
HOW CAN I KEEP FROM SINGING is a hymn tune by the Baptist minister Robert Lowry. This arrangement for mixed choir was made specifically for Seattle Pro Musica, and is published by Santa Barbara Music Publishing.
TEXT --
My life flows on in endless song above earth’s lamentation,
I hear the real, though far-off hymn that hails a new creation.
Through all the tumult and the strife I hear the music ringing,
it sounds an echo in my soul. How can I keep from singing?
What though the tempest loudly roars, I hear the truth, it liveth.
What though the darkness round me close,
songs in the night it giveth.
No storm can shake my in-most calm,
while to that rock I’m clinging.
Since love is lord of heav’n and earth, how can I keep from singing!
When tyrants tremble as they hear the bells of freedom ringing,
when friends rejoice both far and near,
how can I keep from singing!
To prison cell and dungeon vile our thoughts to them are winging,
when friends by shame are undefiled, how can I keep from singing!
Version: SATB
Year composed: 2004
Duration: 00:05:00
Ensemble type: Chorus, with or without Solo Voices:Chorus, Unaccompanied
Instrumentation: 1 S, 1 A, 1 T, 1 B
Instrumentation notes: SATB