And this is something written on a site:

"Here's what the _Rise Up Singing_ songbook
says about the song:

   Words: Anne Warner, 1864 (third verse Doris Plenn); music Rev. R.
   Lowry


   This is *not* an old "Quaker" hymn, tho it certainly dates from at least
   1864. It is popular in Iredell Co., North Carolina. Plenn wrote the new
   verse when friends were imprisoned during the McCarthy period.


And here are the lyrics (according to the book; she sings them slightly
differently):


   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 that 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, 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 is Lord of heaven and earth, how can I keep from singing?


   When tyrants tremble sick with fear and hear their death knells 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?


   I lift my eyes, the cloud grows thin, I see the blue above it
   And day by day this pathway clears, since first I learned to love it
   The peace of God restores my soul, a fountain ever springing
   All things are mine since I am loved; how can I keep from singing?""

That is from
h