How Can I Keep from Singing?

My life flows on in endless song
 Above earth's lamentation.
 I hear the real, thought far off hymn
 That hails the new creation
 Above the tumult and the strife,
 I hear the music ringing;
 It sounds an echo in my soul
 How can I keep from singing?
 What through the tempest loudly roars,
 I hear the truth, it liveth.
 What through the darkness round me close,
 Songs in the night it 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, sick with 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 are winging.
 When friends by shame are undefiled,
 How can I keep from singing?