How can I keep from singing?

 P. 2 « Songs of the Spirit » Tempe Friends Meeting, Arizona, Religious Education Committee of Friends General Conference, copyright 1978

1- My life flows on in endless song

Above earth’s lamentation;

I hear the real though far-off song

That hails a new creation.

Through all the tumult and the strife

I hear that music ringing;

It sounds an echo in my soul,

How can I keep from singing?

2- What though the tempest loudly roars,

I hear the truth, it liveth;

What though the darkness round me close,

Songs in the night it giveth.

No storm can shake my inward calm

 when to that rock I’m clinging,

When love is Lord of heaven and earth,

How can I keep from singing?

3- When tyrants tremble when they hear

The bells of freedom 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?