What are the lyrics to ‘Amazing Grace’, the traditional hymn?

19 July 2023, 10:31 | Updated: 18 September 2023, 16:28

Two musicians play 'Amazing Grace' in an abandoned church

By Classic FM

@ClassicFM

We reveal the lyrics and story of ‘Amazing Grace’ – a beloved hymn with a rich history.

‘Amazing Grace’ is a popular Christian hymn and spiritual, first published in 1779.

It first found popularity in the United States through Baptist and Methodist preachers, who often chose it to be performed at their services.

With a simple yet powerful message of forgiveness, redemption and mercy, ‘Amazing Grace’ has become one of the most versatile and enduring hymns in the world, sung over the years by everyone from late, great soprano Jessye Norman, to Elvis Presley.

Read more: The 15 greatest, most rousing hymns of all time

Who composed ‘Amazing Grace’?

The text for ‘Amazing Grace’ was penned in 1772 by the English author, poet and clergyman John Newton, a former slave trader.

After surviving an almost fatal shipwreck, Newton converted to Christianity and went on to become a committed abolitionist.

The spiritual’s lyric ‘Who sav’d a wretch like me’ could refer to either his spiritual awakening or his physical survival.

Years later, ‘Amazing Grace’ would become well-known as the anthem of the civil rights movement, despite its author being a former slave trader.

Across two centuries, there have been more than 20 melodies associated with the beloved hymn, but the one most frequently sung today was penned by American composer William Walker, who set it to a melody known as ‘New Britain’.

Read more: What are the lyrics to ‘Ave Verum Corpus’?

Cellist Yo-Yo Ma plays ‘Amazing Grace’ at the Celebrating America concert

What are the full lyrics to ‘Amazing Grace’?

Amazing grace, how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now I 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
'Twas grace has brought us safe thus far
And grace will lead us home

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 we've first begun

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