I am thinking of friends
Whom I used to know,
Who lived and suffered
In this world below;
They’ve gone up to Heaven:
But I want to know
What are they doing now?

Refrain

What are they doing in Heaven today?
Where sin and sorrow are all done away,
And peace abounds like a river, they say;
O what are they doing there now?

There were some whose hearts
Were burdened with cares,
They passed their moments
In sighing and tears,
They clung to the cross
With trembling and fears,
But what are they doing now?

Refrain

There were some whose bodies
Were full of disease,
Medicine nor doctor
Could give them much ease;
They suffered till death
Brought final release,
But what are they doing now?

Refrain

They were some who were poor
And often despised;
They looked to Heaven
Thro’ tear-blinded eyes.
While people were heedless
And deaf to their cries;
But what are they doing now?

Refrain