The song “Amazing Grace” has been a great source of inspiration to many. Poets, philosophers, musicians, and the everyday person have heard this song and have been moved, have become a better person because of it, and have receive amazing grace.
1
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.
2
'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed!
3
Thru many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come;
'Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.
4
The Lord has promised good to me;
His Word my hope secures;
He will my Shield and Portion be,
As long as life endures.
5
Yes, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease;
I shall possess, within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.
6
The earth shall soon dissolve like snow;
The sun forbear to shine;
But God, who called me here below,
Will be forever mine.
7
When we've been there ten thousand years,
Bright shining as the sun,
We've no less days to sing God's praise
Than when we'd first begun.
“Amazing Grace” was written my John Newton
(1725-1807). John Newton was the son of an English merchant sea captain. Newton lived a life of hardship. He was a sailor. During this time in his life he was impressed by the English navy, deserted, worked on a slave ship, and many time got caught up in a storm at sea. After a life at sea Newton became well educated and was ordained in the Church of England. He became a famous preacher, revered by many. John Newton wrote “Amazing Grace” probably some time between 1760 and 1770 for one of his weekly services.
The familiar melody that we all known as “Amazing Grace” was not composed by Newton. The words written by John Newton were sung to a number of different tunes before one current one became uniform. There are now two main tunes: “New Britian,” believed to be of Scottish or Irish origin and usually associated with bagpipes, and “Old Regular Baptist” first sung by the Congregation of the Little Zion Church. The lyrics are loosely based around the text of Ephesians 2:4-8. The song has become a favorite among Christians and those involved in fights for freedom and human rights. The song was popular during the Civil War and has been considered the Cherokee National Anthem.
“Amazing Grace” has been recorded by numerous artists over the years in many deferent styles:
• Aaron Neville
• Andy Griffith
• Aretha Franklin
• BeBe Winans
• Bill and Gloria Gaither
• Billy Ray Cyrus
• Blind Boys Of Alabama
• Brian Free & Assurance
• Carman
• Charlotte Church
• Destiny's Child
• Elvis Presley
• Glen Campbell
• Gold City
• Janis Joplin
• Jars of Clay
• Jim Brickman with Ginny Owens
• John Tesh Project
• LeAnn Rimes
• Lee Greenwood
• Lincoln Brewster
• Mahalia Jackson
• Petra
• Phil Vassar
• Randy Travis
• Rod Stewart
• Ruben Studdard
• Sandi Patty
• Selah
• Steve Green
• The Charlie Daniels Band
• The Crabb Family
• Twila Paris
• Vickie Winans
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