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’?
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now I am found
Was blind, but now I see
And grace my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed
We have already come
‘Twas grace has brought us safe thus far
And grace will lead us home
Bright, shining as the sun
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise
Than when we’ve first begun
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now I am found
Was blind, but now I see
Who was John Newton?
When he left the navy atheist Newton became involved with the slave trade as a ship captain. Although he remained a captain until 1754-5, his conversion to the Christian faith began in 1748 when a violent storm battered his ship, causing him to ask God for mercy. As a result he started questioning his role in the slave trade, and studying Christianity. He later became an abolitionist, as well as a clergyman, working alongside William Wilberforce to abolish the slave trade, which finally happened in 1807 just before his death.
Is ‘Amazing Grace’ about slavery?
The hymn ‘Amazing Grace’ is not about slavery but it is associated with the trade as its author John Newton was an abolitionist. Another famous song with slavery links is ‘Swing Low, Sweet Chariot’
The 2006 film Amazing Grace featured John Newton’s and William Wilberforce’s fight to abolish the slave trade.
Find more lyrics to famous hymns
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