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Sources :
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Words : John Newton, Olney Hymns. London : W. Oliver, 1779. Book I, no. 41.
Melody : Unknown composer, probably a traditional Irish or Scottish melody.
Amazing Grace is a beautiful and peaceful Christian hymn about wonder and gratefulness.
The melody is pentatonic and suggests a bagpipe tune.
The lyrics were written in 1772 by John Newton, a former slave trader who had converted to Christianity.
The hymn is about divine grace; it is based on 1 Chronicles 17:16-17, a prayer of King David in which he marvels at God's choosing him and his house.
It is believed that Newton wrote this hymn for his 1773 New Year's Day sermon; he then entitled the piece Faith's Review and Expectations.
This hymn conveys a powerful message and bears strong references to human rights and freedom.
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