Amazing Grace, one of the most well-known songs ever, was composed in 1772 by John Newton, an Englishman (1725-1807). Newton, an Anglican priest and former slave trader, composed the song’s lyrics for his own introspection and to go with a New Year’s Day sermon. The hymn made its public debut in 1773 in the collection Hymns and Spiritual Songs by poet John Newton’s co-worker William Cowper. Because its themes of forgiveness, grace, atonement and redemption speak to the universal experience of being human, Amazing Grace is suitable for memorials or services of any faith tradition. Amazing Grace is so well known that it has spawned countless adaptations and renditions spanning across genres continents religions.
Amazing Grace Lyrics
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Song Title | Amazing Grace |
| Lyricist | John Newton |
| Year Written | 1772 |
| First Published | 1779 (Olney Hymns) |
| Genre | Christian Hymn, Gospel |
| Themes | Redemption, Grace, Forgiveness, Salvation |
| Background | Written after John Newton’s conversion and renunciation of slavery |
| Musical Style | Traditionally sung with simple melody; often accompanied by organ or choir |
| Legacy | One of the most recorded hymns; widely used in spiritual services and memorials |
Amazing Grace Lyrics
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,
I 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.
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.
The earth shall soon
Dissolve like snow,
The sun forbear to shine;
But God, Who called me
Here below,
Will be forever mine.
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.
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