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How Can I Keep from Singing
 | My life flows on in endless songAuthor: Robert LowryTune: HOW CAN I KEEP FROM SINGING Published in 101 hymnals Printable scores: PDF, SibeliusAudio files: MIDI | |
Author: Robert Lowry
Robert Lowry was born in Philadelphia, March 12, 1826. His fondness for music was exhibited in his earliest years. As a child he amused himself with the various musical instruments that came into his hands. At the age of seventeen he joined the First Baptist Church of Philadelphia, and soon became an active worker in the Sunday-school as teacher and chorister.
At the age of twenty-two he gave himself to the work of the ministry, and entered upon a course of study at the University of Lewisburg, Pa. At the age of twenty-eight he was graduated with the highest honors of his class. In the same year of his graduation, he entered upon the work of the ministry. He served as pastor at AVest Chester, Pa., 185-1-1858; in New York City, 1859-1861… Go to person page >For Leaders
Text:
The text of this hymn was most likely written by a Baptist preacher and musician, Robert Lowry. It first appeared as number 16 in Bright Jewels for the Sunday School, published in 1869, of which Lowry was the editor. In that book, the initials “R.L.” appear above the music where the composer is credited, but the space for the author of the text is blank. However, “Shall We Gather at the River” (number 110 in Bright Jewels), which was unquestionably written entirely by Lowry, is attributed in the same way. Lowry originally wrote the text in three long stanzas. Modern hymnals split the stanzas in half; the second half of the original second stanza is used as a refrain, and the first half of the original third stanza is omitted. It usually appears with four stanzas and a refrain. The theme of the text is Christian peace and joy, even in times of trial.
Tune:
Robert Lowry wrote the tune HOW CAN I KEEP FROM SINGING (also called ENDLESS SONG from the opening line of the first stanza) to accompany these words, and it appeared with the text in Bright Jewels in 1869. It was originally written in triple meter (3/2), but some modern hymnals have changed the tune to a slightly irregular duple meter (4/4) with a little syncopation. The tune is pentatonic with a consistent rhythmic pattern (in its original form), and works well when sung unaccompanied.
When/Why/How
This hymn can be used anytime as a reminder of the joy of faith, especially in times of trial. Most arrangements of this tune are rather quiet and have a peaceful mood, such as “Reflections on 'Endless Song'” a thoughtfully paced handbell arrangement, or the piano solo version in the collection ”Then Sings My Soul.” A simple arrangement suitable for smaller choirs, using the altered version of the tune, is “How Can I Keep from Singing” for SAB choir and keyboard accompaniment. “Endless Song” is another choral arrangement by Douglas Wagner using Lowry's original meter. One setting that emphasizes less of the quiet peace and more of the joy of singing is “How Can I Keep from Singing” by Robert A. Hobby with an upbeat brass and organ accompaniment.
Tiffany Shomsky Hymnary.org
