My life goes on in endless song 
above earth's lamentations, 
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? 

While though the tempest loudly roars, 
I hear the [bad word]  it liveth. 
And though 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 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 are winging, 
when friends by shame are undefiled 
how can I keep from singing?