How Can I Keep From Singing?

For several years now, this hymn has been a favorite of mine. I love to sing it to myself in times of stress or sorrow. I find the words both encouraging and comforting.

The words I first encountered (and the tune somewhat as well) had been altered from the original. In fact, I have found several different variations of the words.

The hymn was apparently first published in 1869, then entitled "Always Rejoicing." At that time the text was attributed simply to "Pauline T". The music was written by American minister Robert Wadsworth Lowry. (I like that since my great grandmother was a Wadsworth.) Here are the words to the hymn:

My life goes 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 Rock I'm 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?

Here is a video of the choir from Los Altos High School performing the song: