Amazing Grace
You’ve heard it hundreds of times. I know I have. You may have even sung it several times. I have too. But have you ever stopped to think where ”Amazing Grace” came from? Who wrote those famous words?
I’ve wondered at times and so today I took a few minutes to find out. (I LOVE the internet…incredible amounts of information right at our fingertips.)
It was written by English poet and clergyman (though he was far from a clergyman earlier in life), John Newton. He grew up without any particular religious conviction, but John’s mom had hopes that he would one day be a clergyman. She died when John was six, and he took to a life of disobedience and defiance. While he served in the Navy, John was described as the most profane of all the sailors. Not only did he use vulgar language but he would invent new and more vile words than his shipmates had ever heard. He denied there was a God and was relentless in persecuting those who believed there was. This is how he describes himself:
“How industrious is Satan served. I was formerly one of his active undertemptors and had my influence been equal to my wishes I would have carried all the human race with me. A common drunkard or profligate is a petty sinner to what I was.”
He might have kept God hidden from his view, but he couldn’t hide from God. And eventually John was found. He wrote “Amazing Grace” to illustrate a sermon given on New Year’s Day in 1773. There was likely no music to accompany the verses and was probably just chanted by the congregation. Those famous words have been sung to over 20 different melodies but in 1835 it was joined to a tune named “New Britain” and that is the tune which is sung today.
A few more facts:
- It is without a doubt the most famous of all folk hymns
- It is performed over 10 millions times annually.
- Over 5,500 versions have been recorded as of November 2009
- It has been played following national disasters such as the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster, the Oklahoma City bombing and the September 11 attacks.
I just have one question.
What makes this hymn so meaningful to so many?
It is true. It is one man’s testimony from 200 years ago, and it is true. God will save us. He can find us. He does have the power to change us – no matter how blind, wretched and fallen as we might be.
John Newton believed this. He felt and experienced it first hand in his own life. I’m grateful he put on paper what he knew in his heart.
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,
We have already come;
‘Tis grace hath 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.
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.
The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
The sun forbear to shine;
But God, who called me here below,
Will be forever mine
Blog to you soon,
Hilary
February 8th, 2010 at 1:24 pm
Hilary,
I love your blog! (My favorite entries are the ones about shirt labels!)
I just had to comment to this post. I too love “Amazing Grace.” I learned about its background from the movie with the same name, http://www.amazinggracemovie.com/ (If you haven’t seen it, I highly recommend it.) My favorite line is this (by John Newton): “Though I have lost my memory, two things I know. I am a great sinner and Christ is a great savior.” Truer words were never spoken. We all need the amazing grace of Christ.
Thanks Hilary, for your wonderful music of Jesus Christ that lends voice to all of us who feel the songs in our hearts.
February 8th, 2010 at 1:27 pm
Dear Hilary, I met you in St. George in November at the TOFW. I came up and met you and let you know how much your music has meant to me over the past few months. It was great to meet you and to show my two older girls 8 & 5 (who also love your music) that you signed my CD and took a picture with me . . . they now think I’m famous . . . whatever works.
{kidding}
My older sister has been inactive for the past 20 years, and recently I’ve been talking to her a little more about how much of a blessing being a member of the church has been in my life, and recently bought her one of your CD’s . . . she loved it, and I know she felt the spirit while listening to it, so thank you!
On Jan 1 she collapsed while at work . . . apparently her heart had a “short circuit” and stopped beating. Unfortunately no one found her for up to 12 minutes, and the paramedics took another 7 minutes to get there. They were able to bring her back, but with the amount of time she was without oxygen her brain was far too damaged, so on the 5th we took her off life support. I must say that I’ve struggled spiritually . . . BIG time. I never thought I would be one of “those” people who doubt, but I’m struggling and not sure how to snap out of it.
. . . woa, that was a big explanation to why I’m commenting on this post. At her funeral on the 11th we sang Amazing Grace . . . and even while we were singing I was wondering where this song came from and why it’s such a staple at funerals. I’m so happy that you researched it and posted what you found. Thank you so much for all you do to lift us all. You are SO appreciated by me and my family.
Lyric
Irvine, CA
February 8th, 2010 at 2:44 pm
Have you seen the movie? It’s quite lovely.
http://www.amazinggracemovie.com/
February 8th, 2010 at 2:50 pm
I love this song! When I saw your blog title, it instantly started running through my head! Come to think of it, I’ll bet you would sound really good singing it.
February 8th, 2010 at 3:18 pm
Did you find any more background of his moment or process when he started to recognize the hand of God?
Totally reminds me of Alma the Younger and the INCREDIBLE influence for good he had once he choose to apply his talents, passion and heart to God’s plan and purposes.
Nothing is better than the converted soul!
February 8th, 2010 at 4:53 pm
I’ve thought a lot about the difference between grace and mercy. I love the idea in this song that here he was a completely lost soul, really not even searching for truth, but because of His grace, a pure gift, He reaches out and saves him.
In my life there have been many times when I have felt not only his compassion and mercy but His free grace-because of His pure love for His children.
I think this is why this song touches each of us…because we can all recognize those feelings of deep gratitude.
February 8th, 2010 at 5:33 pm
I have to admit I love this song. I liked this song before I was a member of the Church but after I became a member it had more meaning to me. I think people like I because you can’t deny the truth that is in the song. They are drawn to it. There is hope in the song, being able to change and coming to know God and experiencing a change of heart, I think people want this but sometimes don’t know where to find it.
February 8th, 2010 at 6:54 pm
I, too, love the message and melody of Amazing Grace. As a teenager, I loved the way I could belt it out with boldness. The last time I sang it was a little more reverently for a dear friend’s funeral. I do love the truthfulness of the message–how sweet the sound. I stand all amazed.
February 8th, 2010 at 6:59 pm
We love this song. It was one of the songs we had sung at Carleigh’s funeral. One of her middle names is “Grace”, and she was amazing… it just seemed appropriate – even though she never sinned.
February 9th, 2010 at 9:01 am
A powerful song that stands up through time because of the truth it speaks. Thanks for the reminder.
February 9th, 2010 at 10:43 am
This song is beautiful. Have you ever seen the movie, AMAZING GRACE? It is a true story and it is an incredible movie. I highly recommend it.
February 9th, 2010 at 3:04 pm
The movie is great. I agree it is a must see.
February 10th, 2010 at 4:09 am
I especially love Amazing Grace played on the bagpipes! Movie is awesome too!
February 14th, 2010 at 10:06 pm
Thank you for the enlightment, the song is incredible. Have you heard Freddie Ashby “Reflections of Christ”, sing it? It is great. I too, see the comparison with John Newton to Alma The Younger. But, the important thing is, they, like us, can find the Savior and change, truly a miracle. I would love to hear you sing it.
February 22nd, 2010 at 12:14 pm
This has nothing to do with this post but im panicking and couldn’t find your email address.
So my sister told me yesterday about a new decision the region has made that there cannot be any music sung in sacrament meeting except what is from the hymn book and exactly how it is written. This includes choirs and special musical numbers. I am sooooo sad i started crying when she told me. I feel personally hurt by this decision (I know i shouldn’t but i can’t help it.) No one understands why i am so upset by it. When i sing it is the only time i feel good about myself. It is a way for me to share my testimony more affectively and confidently than giving it on fast sunday. I just feel so lost because of this new decisions. I feel that there are so many people i could have touched through music and now i can’t. Yea the hymns are great but they are to formiliar to people and if being sung as a solo there is no way to mix things up. Even yesterday at church a girl in my ward i do not know came up to me and told me that she was so touched by my singing when i sang in church last and that was in december. obviously it really did touch her if she is remembering it 2 months later. I don’t know why im even telling you this, i guess i just thought you would maybe understand how i am feeling. I really look up to you.
February 25th, 2010 at 5:01 pm
You haven’t lived till you see the movie. It is my all time favorite.
http://www.amazinggracemovie.com/
Do what ever it take to see it. You will be glad you did.
~MA
February 25th, 2010 at 7:08 pm
I’m related to John Newton. I know a ton about him it’s really kinda cool to have him in my family line. such a neat story as well. My grandma’s maiden name is newton!