The Story of Amazing Grace

Amazing Grace” is a Christian hymn written in 1772 and published in 1779 by English Anglican clergyman, abolitionist, and poet John Newton. It is possibly the most sung and most recorded hymn in the world, and especially popular in the United States, where it is used for both religious and secular purposes.

The Story Behind the Song Amazing Grace: A 250 Year Old Hymn …

Newton was an 18th-century slave ship captain, and its said the hymn was written to describe his personal journey of redemption. After a near-death experience during a violent storm in 1748, where he prayed for mercy and survived, he considered it his moment of conversion. Despite continuing in the slave trade , he eventually became an Anglican priest and wrote the hymn in 1772, reflecting on how God’s grace saved him from a life of despair and sin.

Newton had a turbulent early life, was separated from his mother, and was pressed into service in the Royal Navy before becoming a slave ship captain.

After a stroke prevented him from going back to sea, Newton studied theology, was ordained, and became a priest.

He wrote the lyrics in 1772 for his congregation in Olney, England, based on the biblical text of 1 Chronicles 17:16–17.

In his later years, Newton became a strong abolitionist and fought alongside William Wilberforce to end the slave trade.

The Hymn

• The first verse, “I once was lost, but now I’m found, was blind but now I see,” directly reflects Newton’s autobiography, as he saw his life before and after his conversion as a transition from a state of being lost to being found.
• The simplicity of the hymn’s message and its reflection of hope and redemption resonated with many parishioners and continues to be a source of comfort and hope for people facing their own struggles.

Amazing grace, oh, how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now am found
Was blind, but now I see

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, when we first begun

Through many dangers, toils, and snares
I have already come
‘Tis grace that brought me safe thus far
And grace will lead me home, home

Amazing grace, oh, how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
Oh, I once was lost, but now I’m found
Was blind, but now I see

Was blind, but now I see

“Amazing Grace” is one of the most recognisable songs in the English-speaking world. American historian Gilbert Chase writes that it is “without a doubt the most famous of all the folk hymns”[ It has had particular influence in folk music, and has become an emblematic black spiritual. Its universal message has been a significant factor in its crossover into secular music. “Amazing Grace” became newly popular during the 1960s revival of American folk music, and it has been recorded thousands of times during and since the 20th century.

Listen to Amazing Grace on YouTube

 

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