My life flows on in endless song; Above earth's lamentation, I hear the sweetdagger, tho' far-off hymn That hails a new creation; Thro' all the tumult and the strife I hear the music ringing; It sounds an echo in my soul— How can I keep from singing? When tyrants tremble, sick with fear, And hear their death-knells 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? What if my joys and comforts die? I know that truth is living; What tho' the darkness round me grows? Still truth its light is giving. 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? I lift my eyes; the cloud grows thin; I see the blue above it; And day by day this pathway smooths, Since first I learned to love it, The peace of Love makes fresh my heart, A song of Love springing; All things are mine since Truth I found— How can I keep from singing?