What shall thine "afterward" be, O Lord
For this dark and suffering night?
Father, oh, what shall thine "afterward" be
Hast thou a morning of joy for me
And a new and a joyous light?
And a new and a joyous light?
What shall thine "afterward" be?
Oh, what shall thine "afterward" be?

What shall thine "afterward" be, O Lord
For the moan that I cannot stay?
Wilt thou not turn it to anthems of praise
Sweeter than sorrowless heart could raise
When the darkness hath passed away?
When the darkness hath passed away.
What shall thine "afterward" be?
Oh, what shall thine "afterward" be?

What shall thine "afterward" be, O Lord,
How long this chast'ning endure?
"Afterward" cometh, I can not tell what
Father, 'tis well that I know it not,
But I know that Thy word is sure!
But I know that Thy word is sure!
What shall thine "afterward" be?
Oh, what shall thine "afterward" be?