Amazing Grace is one of the most popular hymns in the English language. The lyrics were written by John Newton, an English clergyman and former sea captain, and published in 1779 in a collection called the Olney Hymns. The words have been set to many melodies, the most common being an American folk song called “New Britain,” first published in 1829. This melody and the words to “Amazing Grace” first appeared together in The Southern Harmony, a hymnal published in 1835. Newton’s lyrics differ slightly from the words used today.
Loading the player...Amazing Grace
“Amazing Grace” expresses the message that individuals can achieve forgiveness and redemption in spite of the sins they commit. Newton had been a slave trader before he wrote the song. He survived a violent storm at sea that prompted a religious conversion and inspired him to write “Amazing Grace.” Newton later became an outspoken abolitionist. He joined forces with Member of Parliament William Wilberforce, who led Parliament’s campaign to abolish the slave trade in the British Empire. The Atlantic slave trade was abolished in 1807.
The song has become accepted as a spiritual in African American churches and has influenced folk music in the United States. It has been recorded thousands of times as a gospel song, a folk song, and a pop song. The hymn has been recorded by such performers as Judy Collins, Sam Cooke, Aretha Franklin, Mahalia Jackson, Willie Nelson, Elvis Presley, and Rod Stewart.
“Amazing Grace” originally consisted of six stanzas, though not all are always sung today. Modern versions often include the verses below:
Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, That saved a wretch like me. I once was lost but now am found, Was blind, but now I see.
‘Twas Grace that taught my heart to fear. And Grace, my fears relieved. How precious did that Grace appear The hour I first believed.
Through many dangers, toils and snares I have already come; ‘Tis Grace has brought me safe thus far and Grace will lead me home.
The Lord has promised good to me. His word my hope secures. He will my shield and portion be, As long as life endures.
Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail, And mortal life shall cease, I shall possess within the veil, A life of joy and peace.
When we’ve been here ten thousand years Bright shining as the sun. We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise Then when we’ve first begun.
In 1909, American hymn publisher Edwin Excell added the final verse above. It usually replaces Newton’s original final verse:
The earth shall soon dissolve like snow, The sun forbear to shine; But God, who called me here below, Will be forever mine.
