How Can I Keep From Singing

How Can I Keep from Singing         Quaker Hymn
                                                               Robert Lowry

Verse 1
My life flows on in endless song 
Above earth's lamentation.
I hear the real though far-off hymn 
That hails a new creation.

Refrain
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 2
Through all the tumult and the strife, 
I hear that music ringing;
it sounds and echoes in my soul; 
How can I keep from singing?

Verse 3
What though the tempest ‘round me roar, 
I hear the truth, it liveth;
What though the darkness ‘round me close, 
songs in the night it giveth.

Verse 4
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?

Verse 5
The peace of Christ makes fresh my heart, 
A fountain ever springing.
All things are mine since I am his; 
How can I keep from singing?

Text: 87 87 with refrain; attr. to Robert Lowry, 1826–1899, alt.; verse 3, Doris Plenn. Music: Quaker Hymn; attr. to Robert Lowry.