My life goes on in endless song
Above earth's lamentations,
I hear the real, though far-off hymn
That hails the new creation;

Thru all the tumult and the strife,
I hear the music ringing;
It sounds an echo in my soul,
How can I keep from singing?

Oh tho' the tempest loudly roars,
I hear the truth, it liveth.
Oh tho' the darkness 'round me close,
Songs in the night he giveth.

No storm can shake my inmost calm,
While to that rock I'm clinging.
Since love is lord of heaven and earth
How can I keep from singing?

When tyrants tremble in their fear
And hear their death-knell ringing,
When friends rejoice both far and near
How can I keep from singing?

In prison cell and dungeon vile,
Our thoughts to them go winging;
When friends by shame are undefiled,
How can I keep from singing?