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Music: Enya & Nicky Ryan
Lyrics: Traditional Shaker Hymn
 How Can I Keep From Singing
My life goes on in endless song
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?


Roma Ryan's notes to the song, taken from Only Time-The Collection:
This is an old Shaker hymn. Shakers lived simples lives and their songs reflect the beauty inherent in this simplicity. It is not widely known that the Shakers sent food to Ireland in 1846 in an attempt to relieve the suffering during the famine.

Roma Ryan's notes to the song, taken from Shepherd Moons sheet music book:
This is based on an old Shaker hymn which I suggetsed as a suitable addition to the album, not only because of the beautiful melody, but the lyrical content seems as relevant today as it did 250 years ago when the hymn was written.
It is unfortunate that the Shakers are known to the world at large mainly for their ability to build and design beautiful furniture. The Shakers also wrote beautiful music and songs with which they glorified their joy in living. They lived very simple lives and their melodies reflect the beauty inherent in this simplicity.
It is not widely known that in 1846 the Shakers sent food to Ireland in an attempt to relieve the suffering during the famine, and this also held significance in our decision to arrange the piece.



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