Above the Tumult and the Strife

"How Can I Keep From Singing" is a 19th century hymn attributed to the Pennsylvania abolitionist minister Robert Lowry. It is the last of 6 songs of "The Seeger Sessions" closely associated with Pete Seeger, or for which he was responsible for bringing to American audiences (the others being "Mrs. McGrath," "My Oklahoma Home," "Eyes On the Prize," "Pay Me My Money Down," and "We Shall Overcome").

"How Can I Keep from Singing" was also the last of the songs of "The Seeger Sessions" to be professionally recorded; this site documents no recordings of the song prior to the mid-1960s, the earliest recording being an obscure rendition by Carol Pierson.

Although Pete Seeger used the song in concert for many years, including as a set closer, he didn't record it until a live version in 1981, for a collaboration album with Arlo Guthrie titled "Precious Friend." He later recorded another studio version for the 1996 album "Pete."

"How Can I Keep From Singing" was rarely recorded, until Enya cut a version of it in 1991 for her "Shepherd Moons" album. Enya's video of the song may be viewed from the audio page of this site. There have been many recordings since that date, often based on Enya's version.

Of the songs on "The Seeger Sessions," "How Can I Keep from Singing" is the one most likely to be performed a capella. Harvey Reid, who recorded it in 1997, says it must be sung a capella. There is also a choral arrangement by Gwynneth Walker that has been recorded by several groups; a selection of those recordings are linked from the audio page.

Judy Collins, Eva Cassidy, and Peter, Paul & Mary are among the artists who have recorded "How Can I Keep From Singing."