Amazing Grace is the title of a hymn by John Newton, written in 1779. It seems to be very very popular in the United States. I think I can see why it is so popular, it is of a sentimentality that befits the American culture quite well. Imagine hearing the song set to some violins, sung in a very low spoken/singing manner, with a slideshow of pictures of (American!) nature. It probably came at the right time, just years after the American Revolution when national spirit was young and fresh, keeping it still warm in the hearts who of those who hear it and can't help but shed a patriotic tear. The lyrics are,
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.
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.
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.
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 that brought me safe thus far
and Grace will lead me home.
I have already come;
'Tis Grace that 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.
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.
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.
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.
Since it was set to music, I'd think it's only appropriate to include a rendition. I tried to find the corniest I could think of. I had liked to see Robert Goulet do it, in honor of both him and the song, but alas, no luck. This one though, by Patti Roberts, daughter-in-law of televangelist big-shot Oral Roberts, is also quite a treat. Dammit! That one wouldn't load on YouTube either. Oh well, might as well pull out the Queen of queens Mahalia Jackson on this one then! Clearly God so wills it. Take it awaylia, Mahalia!
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