How Can I Keep From Singing?

My life flows on in endless song above earth's lamentation.
I hear the real, though far off hymn that hails a new creation.
No storm can shake my inmost calm while to that rock I'm clinging.
It sounds an echo in my soul. How can I keep from singing?

What though the tempest 'round me rears, I know the truth, it liveth.
What though the darkness 'round me close, Songs in the nights it giveth.
No storm can shake my inmost calm while to the rock I'm clinging.
Since love is lord of Heav'n and earth, 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 and dungeon vile our thoughts to them are winging.
When friends by shame are undefiled, How can I keep from singing?