[Verse 1]
My life goes on in endless song
Above earth's lamentations
I hear the real, though far-off hymn
That hails a new creation

[Verse 2]
Through all the tumult and the strife
I hear it's music ringing
It sounds an echo in my soul
How can I keep from singing?

[Verse 3]
What though the tempest loudly roars?
I hear the truth, it liveth
What though the darkness 'round me grows?
Songs in the night it giveth

[Verse 4]
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?

[Verse 5]
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?
[Verse 6]
In prison cell and dungeon vile
Our thoughts to them are winging
When friends by shame are undefiled
How can I keep from singing?