Singing the Living Tradition ‎#108

108. My Life Flows On in Endless Song

1 My life flows on in endless song
above earth’s lamentation.
I hear the real though far-off hymn
that hails a new creation.
Through all the tumult and the strife,
I hear the music ringing.
It sounds an echo in my soul.
How can I keep from singing?

2 What though the tempest 'round me roars,
I know the truth, it liveth.
What 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 prevails in heav'n and earth,
how can I keep from singing?

3 When tyrants tremble as they hear
the bells of freedom ringing,
when friends rejoice both far and near,
how can I keep from singing!
To prison cell and dungeon vile
our thoughts to them are winging;
when friends by shame are undefiled,
how can I keep from singing?

Text Information

• First Line: My life flows on in endless song
• Title: My Life Flows On in Endless Song
• Meter: 8.7.8.7.D. Iambic
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1993
• Topic: Words and Deeds of Prophetic Women and Men: Commitment and Action; Faith; Sorrow
• Source: Early Quaker song

Tune Information

• Name: SINGING
• Meter: 8.7.8.7.D. Iambic
• Key: F Major or modal
• Source: American gospel tune