About the song

Amazing Grace is traditionally a Christian hymn. It originated from the pen of former slave trader John Newton c. 1772 and while first sung to a number of tunes it became strongly attached to a melody that is believed to be of Scottish or Irish origin.
Although the song has been treasured by Christians of all denominations it has also been a favourite of human rights supporters as well as recovering drug and alcohol addicts. It is also often consider to be the Cherokee National Anthem - while on the Trail of Tears singing it had to often replace a proper burial of their dead. The tune is also heavily associated with bagpipes. Amazing Grace has been recorded by many artists, some even making it into the charts.

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lyrics

(Not all of these verses were included in the original.)

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,
We have already come;
'Tis grace has brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home. (Lead me home!)

The lord hast promised good to me,
His word my hope secures!
He will my shield and portion be,
as long as life endures.

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'd first begun.

Shall I be wafted through the skies,
on flowery beds of ease,
where others strive to win the prize,
and sail through bloody seas.

Visit the Wikipedia entry for more information and audio samples.