HOW CAN I KEEP FROM SINGING?

My life goes on in endless song,
Above earth's lamentation.
I hear the real though far-off hymn
That hails a new creation.
Through all the tumult and the strife,
I hear its music ringing.
It sounds an echo in my soul.
How can I keep from singing?

What though the tempest loudly roars,
I hear the truth, it liveth.
And though the darkness round me close,
Songs in the night it giveth.
No storm can shake my innermost 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 or dungeon vile
Our thoughts to them are winging.
When friends by shame are undefiled,
How can I keep from singing?