It was first published in Bright Jewels for the Sunday School in 1869 - after the words were published as a poem by Pauline T titled "Always Rejoicing" in the New York Observer in 1868. No further information about "Pauline T" has been located. Many people, incorrectly, believe that the song is a traditional Quaker or Shaker hymn.
The tune was composed by American Baptist minister and gospel music writer, Robert Wadsworth Lowry (1826–1899).
It has been recorded in a number of different styles, with some folk performances (Pete Seeger et al) using a more secular version of the lyrics. There have also been a number of parody versions - eg How can I keep from drinking / stinging / etc.
Some recent publications and recordings have used the last four lines of the second verse as a refrain: lyrics for both options are given below.
Note: this is not the same as the worship song, with the same title, that starts "There is an endless song".
Solo singer, organ backing:
Above earth's lamentation,
I catch the sweet, tho' far-off hymn
That hails a new creation.
Through all the tumult and the strife
I hear the music ringing;
It finds an echo in my soul,
How can I keep from singing?
What tho' my joys and comfort die?
The Lord my Saviour liveth;
What tho' the darkness gather round?
Songs in the night he giveth.
No storm can shake my inmost calm,
While to that refuge clinging;
Since Christ is Lord of heaven and earth,
How can I keep from singing?
I lift my eyes; the cloud grows thin;
I see the blue above it;
And day by day this pathway smooths,
Since first I learned to love it.
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?
When tyrants tremble, sick with 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 go winging;
When friends by shame are undefiled,
How can I keep from singing?
Refrain: (optional)
Through all the tumult and the strife
I hear the music ringing;
It finds an echo in my soul,
How can I keep from singing?
A fourth verse was added by American left-wing activist and author, Doris Troutman Plenn (1909-1994).
The tune was composed by American Baptist minister and gospel music writer, Robert Wadsworth Lowry (1826–1899).
It has been recorded in a number of different styles, with some folk performances (Pete Seeger et al) using a more secular version of the lyrics. There have also been a number of parody versions - eg How can I keep from drinking / stinging / etc.
Some recent publications and recordings have used the last four lines of the second verse as a refrain: lyrics for both options are given below.
Note: this is not the same as the worship song, with the same title, that starts "There is an endless song".
Downloads
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Examples
Folk choir performance, with backing instruments:
Chancel choir - unaccompanied:
Solo singer, organ backing:
Instrumental - piano:
Lyrics
My life flows on in endless song:Above earth's lamentation,
I catch the sweet, tho' far-off hymn
That hails a new creation.
Through all the tumult and the strife
I hear the music ringing;
It finds an echo in my soul,
How can I keep from singing?
What tho' my joys and comfort die?
The Lord my Saviour liveth;
What tho' the darkness gather round?
Songs in the night he giveth.
No storm can shake my inmost calm,
While to that refuge clinging;
Since Christ is Lord of heaven and earth,
How can I keep from singing?
I lift my eyes; the cloud grows thin;
I see the blue above it;
And day by day this pathway smooths,
Since first I learned to love it.
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?
When tyrants tremble, sick with 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 go winging;
When friends by shame are undefiled,
How can I keep from singing?
Refrain: (optional)
Through all the tumult and the strife
I hear the music ringing;
It finds an echo in my soul,
How can I keep from singing?
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