This hymn is all about perspective. It opens with an assertion that the troubles of this world are nothing when compared to the new creation that is to come. By keeping our focus on our Lord – that He is our Rock and that He lives – we can follow the admonition of the apostle James: “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds” (James 1:2 ESV).
Text:
The text of this hymn first appeared in The New York Observer (1868), titles "Always Rejoicing," and attributed to "Pauline T." It appeared without attribution in The Christian Pioneer, Vol 23, page 53. William Bradbury included it in Bright Jewels for the Sunday School, published in 1869. Bradbury died a year before the collection was published. Robert Lowry was the designated 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. The text was originally written 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
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