My life goes on in endless song

Above earth's lamentations,

I hear the real, though far-off hymn

That hails 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?



While though the tempest loudly roars,

I hear the truth, it liveth.

And though the darkness 'round me close,

songs in the night it giveth.



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?



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?



In prison cell and dungeon vile

Our thoughts to them are winging,

When friends by shame are undefiled

How can I keep from singing?



Note: This is a 19th century hymn taken from folk tunes with

words by Robert McCutcheon. (The last two verses were

added by Doris Plenn during the Red Scare of the 50's.)

"How Can I Keep From Singing?" is the title of Pete Seeger's

autobiography.