QuakerInfo.com Forum

Anne Wayne · Joined: 28 Feb 2005 Posts: 2

I would like to buy a copy of the music and words to the quaker hymn, 'How can I keep from singing' however haven't been able to find it through the local quaker meetings. Would it be available to purchase on the web?

wsamuel · Posted: Mon Feb 28, 2005 3:25 pm Post subject:

If you're talking about purchasing sheet music for it, I'm not aware of Quaker outlets selling that but there are a number of arrangements available from sheet music outlets.
_________________
Bill Samuel, Webservant, QuakerInfo.com

AtlantaScott · Posted: Mon Feb 28, 2005 9:04 pm Post subject:

Hi Friend! I think I found something for you.
go to:
http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/h/c/hcaikeep.htm
and see..you can even get the sheet music after you download the appropriate program...in case the link doesn't quite work..go to www.cyberhymnal.org and then to Titles...I hope the above link works ...I love that site!
Scott in Atlanta

peggy parsons · Joined: 24 Feb 2004 Posts: 25 Location: Salem, Oregon

This song, although often attributed to Quakers, is not of Quaker origin. Ealry Quakers did not sing in meeting, and singing was discouraged out of meeting as well.

The author of the song you enjoy, which is in my opinion quite in harmony with Q sensibilities is unknown. It is also attributed to Shakers, which seems more llikely. Pete Seegar popularized it in the 60's, and you can find many version, recorded by many people. Just Google it. The earliest hymnal that I have it in, in my house is an 1870 hymnal.

We sing it on a regular basis at Freedom Friends Church.
Peggy Senger Parsons
pastor, Freedom Friends Church
Freedom Friends.org

wsamuel · Posted: Tue Mar 1, 2005 1:31 pm Post subject:

Cyberhymnal says Robert Lowry wrote it in 1860. He was a Baptist minister, so presumably it is neither Quaker or Shaker.

Early Friends did sometimes sing in meeting. There was a good article on that in Friends Journal a few years back. They didn't have hymnals or pre-planned singing - or musical instruments, to which they objected, but they did burst out in song at times.

My impression is that the first generation of Friends was looser and much more charismatic in style than Friends thoughout much of our history.
_________________
Bill Samuel, Webservant, QuakerInfo.com

William · Joined: 06 Feb 2005 Posts: 7

Anne if you call me in Waterford I will scan and email that hymn to you.After you called I did a search and found a "Quaker Songbook" in our library.There are far too many other hymns and songs to list here so if any other friends need a hymn please ask.

Anne Wayne · Joined: 28 Feb 2005 Posts: 2

Thank you for all your quick responses. I now have a copy of the music and lyrics. Regards, Anne

quiverquaker · Joined: 16 Jan 2007 Posts: 58

Quaker Songs

Does anyone have some Quaker songs that they would like to post?
_________________
The quivering leaves of the Quaking Aspen tree echo a soft sound that stills the forest.

QQ

Ladybelle · Joined: 10 Mar 2011 Posts: 5 Location: Vermont

Dan · Joined: 03 Dec 2003 Posts: 273 Location: midwest

[/quote]

It is a lovely song, isn't it?[/quote]

Yes it is, but again as has been mentioned, originally, singing was not a part of Quaker worship. I too have heard of Lowry being the author to said song.

The Baptists, being an English speaking offshoot of the anabaptists, have a long history of those who have been persecuted for the faith in their history as well. In fact, many early Friends, like Quaker martyr Thomas Budd were anabaptists before they became Friends.

Thy Friend,
Dan