How Can I Keep From Singing? by Trevor Thorn

In the summer, I was introduced to a lovely old song which has American roots, called ‘How Can I Keep from Singing'. I felt I wanted to re-construct the song bearing in mind those who through their personal darknesses find it difficult to ‘keep on singing’, when it is widely accepted that singing builds a sense of well-being.

Here is what emerged. I hope it will be helpful to some and enjoyed by others. The tune can be found in a number of hymnaries including Common Ground No 51: Worship & Rejoice 2003 - 424: Lift Up Your Hearts 443 Evangelical Lutheran 2006 - 763 Also in a Sankey and Moody book No 356
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Sing Of The East

Tune:How can I keep from singing.

(These verses are written in a sequence which follows the daily path of the sun in the northern hemisphere. If sung in the southern hemisphere, north and south need to be reversed: east and west remain as they are positioned in the hymn as both hemispheres rotate in the same direction.)

Sing of the east, as sunlight’s rays

wake earth in all its glory; 

as colours fresh emerge from dusk:

a new day of God’s story.

Refrain

Come praise the Lord for joy-filled hours

when gifts of love are brimming.

Or if should be dark clouds oppress,

Lord, help us keep on singing.

Sing of the south when mid-day sun

gives warmth and light abundant,

nurturing life in many forms 

that fill us with enjoyment.

Refrain

Sing of the west when sunset hues,

with gold and red abounding

bestow upon the clouds and skies

a beauty quite astounding.  

Refrain

Sing of the north when brilliant stars

show God’s immense foundation;

know that, though little, you are loved

by Christ who shaped creation.
                      Refrain

More original hymns, songs and poetry, including a small Christmas collection by Trevor Thorn at http://crossandcosmos.blogspot.com