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Amazing Grace -- Lyrics, Authorship, and Renditions

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Ranked #1436 in Music, #32644 overall

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Introduction

 

Probably the most famous hymn in English, the lyrics of Amazing Grace were written in 1772 by English slave trader John Newton. There are many stories about how Newton first came to write the lyrics, but, inspirational as these stories might be, many are of doubtful authenticity.

Most common are variations on the tale of how Newton after having survived a storm at sea, converted to Christianity, freed his slaves, and, full of remorse, devoted himself to writing hymns.

In reality -- according to Newton's own writings and more thorough histories -- Newton's conversion to Christianity was more gradual and did not alter his attitude to slavery (in those days slavery and Christianity were not seen as in conflict).

Similarly, the story that the tune was taken by Newton from tunes sung by slaves in his ships would also seem to be little more than a re-writing of history to placate modern sensibilities.

Wikipedia gives this explanation: "The melody is believed to be Scottish or Irish in origin; it is pentatonic and suggests a bagpipe tune; the hymn is frequently performed on bagpipes and has become associated with that instrument."

More detailed information is provided via the links list below.

Amazing Grace Lyrics 

This is the version by Newton, with the exception of verse 6, which was added later.

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.

T'was 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;
T'was Grace that brought us safe thus far
And Grace will lead us 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
Than when we've first begun.

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.

Renditions of Amazing Grace from YouTube 


Judy Collins - "Amazing Grace"

Runtime: 4:56
593672 views
10 Comments:


Hayley Westenra - Amazing Grace (Live)

Runtime: 2:09
285414 views
10 Comments:


Bryn Terfel - Amazing Grace

Runtime: 1:15
13280 views
10 Comments:


nana mouskouri - amazing grace

Runtime: 2:50
879361 views
10 Comments:


Leann Rimes - Amazing Grace

Runtime: 3:54
3244775 views
10 Comments:


Charlotte Church - amazing Grace

Runtime: 3:16
226481 views
10 Comments:


Judith Durham - Amazing Grace

Runtime: 3:19
36639 views
10 Comments:


Amazing Grace - Wintley Phipps

Runtime: 8:49
387047 views
10 Comments:

More Renditions of Amazing Grace 


Amazing Grace - Judy Collins and the choir

Runtime: 4:29
1251295 views
10 Comments:


Amazing Grace - Maureen McGovern

Runtime: 5:48
16608 views
10 Comments:


Amazing Grace, Hayley Westenra

Runtime: 3:34
26706 views
10 Comments:


07 Amazing Grace (Gymnich 2007)

Runtime: 3:24
6471 views
8 Comments:


Amazing Grace - Truly Beautiful Version

Runtime: 3:40
149587 views
10 Comments:


The Kelly Family - Amazing Grace (paddy crying)

Runtime: 3:56
1171449 views
10 Comments:


Michael Ball - Amazing Grace

Runtime: 3:29
24685 views
10 Comments:


amazing grace

Runtime: 2:41
248181 views
10 Comments:

List of Links to Further Information 

Wikipedia: Amazing Grace
Information about John Newton and the songs lyrics and history.
Snopes: Amazing Grace
A discussion about John Newton and the song from the Snopes, Urban Legends, site.

Bryn Terfel CDs 

Bryn Terfel - We'll Keep a Welcome

Amazon Price: $13.99 (as of 12/02/2008) Buy Now

Songs of My Welsh Home

Amazon Price: $16.98 (as of 12/02/2008) Buy Now

Bryn Terfel - Simple Gifts

Amazon Price: $13.99 (as of 12/02/2008) Buy Now

Bryn Terfel Sings Favorites

Amazon Price: $16.98 (as of 12/02/2008) Buy Now

Hayley Westenra CDs 

Hayley Westenra

Amazon Price: $17.98 (as of 12/02/2008) Buy Now

Usually ships in 1 to 3 weeks

Celtic Treasure

Amazon Price: $14.99 (as of 12/02/2008) Buy Now

Usually ships in 24 hours

Odyssey

Amazon Price: $14.99 (as of 12/02/2008) Buy Now

Usually ships in 24 hours

Treasure

Amazon Price: $22.99 (as of 12/02/2008) Buy Now

Usually ships in 24 hours

Best of Hayley Westenra

Amazon Price: $31.99 (as of 12/02/2008) Buy Now

Usually ships in 1 to 3 weeks

Jessye Norman CDs and DVDs 

Amazing Grace: Jessye Norman

Amazon Price: $16.98 (as of 12/02/2008) Buy Now

Jessye Norman Classics

Amazon Price: $9.98 (as of 12/02/2008) Buy Now

I Was Born in Love With You

Amazon Price: $16.98 (as of 12/02/2008) Buy Now

Very Best of

Amazon Price: $16.98 (as of 12/02/2008) Buy Now

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