Composer

:

Quaker Traditional

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Average_duration

:

3:42

"How Can I Keep From Singing?" is a traditional Quaker hymn that has been passed down through generations of Quaker communities. The exact date of its composition is unknown, but it is believed to have originated in the mid-19th century. The hymn has since been adapted and arranged by various composers, including Robert Lowry and Enya. The hymn is typically performed in four movements, with each verse being sung in unison or in harmony. The first movement is a simple melody that sets the tone for the rest of the hymn. The second movement features a more complex harmony, with the melody being sung by one group and the harmony by another. The third movement is a call-and-response section, with one group singing a line and the other group responding. The final movement is a repeat of the first, with the melody being sung in unison. The lyrics of "How Can I Keep From Singing?" reflect the Quaker belief in the power of music to uplift the spirit and bring people together. The hymn speaks of the joy and peace that can be found in singing, even in the midst of hardship and sorrow. The refrain, "No storm can shake my inmost calm, while to that rock I'm clinging," speaks to the Quaker belief in the inner light, or the divine spark that resides within each person. The hymn has been performed by a wide range of artists and choirs, from traditional church choirs to contemporary folk singers. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the power of music to inspire and uplift the human spirit.

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