An English Christian hymn written by an ex-sea captain that ran slave ships in the 1740s and became a Anglican pastor. The lyrics are based on I Chronicles 17: 16-17 and have changed somewhat at different times once the song came to America in the 18^th century. The melody has changed considerably with the original American tune called "New Britain" as a base. The song first made its way in Southern Scot and Scot-Irish churches, as well as African American churches. The song became popular among Christianized Native Americans and was sung at burials on the Trail of Tears, 1838 by the Cherokee. Amazing Grace was popular during the Civil War with both sides and reemerged in the 1970s to stay as a powerful statement in tough times, especially if played on bagpipes.

"Amazing Grace"

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 veil,
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 forever mine.