How can i keep from singing My life goes on in endless song – above earth's lamentation I hear the tune though far away – it gives the heart 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? What though the tempest loudly roars? i hear the truth and sing it! And though the darkness around me close, songs in the night it bringeth No storm can shake my inmost calm while to that rock i'm clinging Since song is heard in heaven and earth, how can i keep from singing? When tyrants tremble in their fear and hear their deathknell ringing, When friends rejoice both far and near, how can i keep from singing? Through prison cells and dungeon bars, my songs to them are winging When friends by shame are undefiled, how can i keep from singing?