Amazing Grace

A poem by slave ship captain John Newton, that was eventually set to an American tune of an old plantation melody entitled "Loving Lambs". That tune is the one we now know so well as Amazing Grace.

Original Text

Amazing grace! (how sweet the sound)

That sav'd 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 reliev'd;

How precious did that grace appear,

The hour I first believ'd!

Thro' many dangers, toils and snares,

I have already come;

'Tis grace has brought me safe thus far,

And grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promis'd good to me,

His word my hope secures;

He will my shield and portion be,

As long as life endures

Yes, when this flesh and heart shall fail,

And mortal life shall cease;

I shall possess, within the vail,

A life of joy and peace.

The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,

The sun forbear to shine;

But God, who call'd me here below,

Will be for ever mine.