Robert Lowry wrote both words and music to the hymn “How Can I Keep From Singing.” Lowry was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on March 12th, 1825. Though he was raised Presbyterian, Lowry studied the scriptures for himself and became a Baptist. After his baptism, Lowry poured himself into the work of the Lord, especially that of Sunday Schools. Through his faithfulness to this ministry, Lowry eventually felt the call to preach, and enrolled at Lewisburg University, graduating as class Valedictorian in 1854. Lowry pastored several churches throughout Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey before his retirement due to failing strength.
"How Can I Keep from Singing” is a spiritual song of testimony, communicating to those who listen that it is possible, not just to sing in spite of trials, but to rejoice without ceasing, finding joy within the times of trouble. O that our faith were strong enough to endure pain and loss with the deep joy and peace that can comes from a daily walk with the Lord.
Above earth’s lamentation,
I catch the sweet, though far-off hymn
That hails a new creation;
Through all the tumult and the strife,
I hear the musick ringing;
It finds an echo in my soul –
How can I keep from singing?
The Lord my Saviour liveth;
what though the darkness gather round?
Songs in the night he giveth;
No storm can shake my inmost calm,
While to that refuge clinging;
Since Christ is Lord of heav’n and earth,
How can I keep from singing?
I see the blue above it;
And day by day this pathway smoothes,
Since first I learned to love it;
The peace of Christ makes fresh my heart,
A foundation ever springing;
All things are mine since I am his –
How can I keep from singing?
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