By BBC Music Magazine

Published: Friday, 10 June 2022 at 12:00 am


Who wrote the lyrics to ‘Amazing Grace’?

Former slave ship captain and clergyman John Newton wrote the famous hymn ‘Amazing Grace’ in 1772, for his 1793 New Year’s Day service. The hymn’s emotional lyrics tell Newton’s story, how he believed God saved him and showed him the errors of his ways. The hymn was then published in 1779 as part of the Olney Hymns, a group of hymns he and his poet friend, William Cowper wrote.  It was set to the now very familiar tune in 1835 by American composer William Walker. We named ‘Amazing Grace’ one of the best hymns of all time.

What are the lyrics to the hymn, ‘Amazing Grace’?

Amazing grace, how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now I am found
Was blind, but now I see
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‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear
And grace my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed
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Through many dangers, toils and snares
We have already come
‘Twas grace has brought us safe thus far
And grace will lead us home
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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’ve first begun
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Amazing grace, how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now I am found
Was blind, but now I see