AMAZING GRACE

"Amazing Grace" is a Christian hymn written by English poet and clergyman John Newton  (1725–1807), published in 1779.

Author Gilbert Chase writes that "Amazing Grace" is "without a doubt the most famous of all the  folk hymns", and Jonathan Aitken, a Newton biographer, estimates that it is performed about 10 million times annually. It has had particular influence in folk music, and become an emblematic African American spiritual.   Its universal message has been a significant factor in its crossover  into secular music.   "Amazing Grace" saw a resurgence in popularity in the U.S. during the 1960s and has been recorded thousands of times during and since the 20th century, sometimes  appearing on popular music charts.

It has become a song that inspires hope in the wake of tragedy, becoming a sort of "spiritual  national anthem" according to authors Mary Rourke and Emily Gwathmey. It has been played  following American national disasters such as the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster, the  Oklahoma City bombing, and the September 11 attacks.

Gospel singer Marion Williams summed up its effect: "That's a song that gets to everybody".

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Amazing Grace, How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now am found
T'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

Through many dangers, toils and snares
We have already come.
T'was grace that brought us safe thus far

And grace will lead us home,
And grace will lead us home

Amazing grace, Howe Sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost but now am found
T'was blind but now i see

Was blind, but now I see.
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Hayley Westenra - Amazing Grace (SHORT VERSION)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BOrlCYp8TgU&feature=related

Hayley Westenra - Amazing Grace (FULL VERSION)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bRRzgQK5cIQ&feature=related

RENDERED BY  'CELTIC WOMEN'
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HsCp5LG_zNE

RHEMA MARVANNE ( A SMALL GIRL)

http://www.youtube.com/user/RhemaMarvanne?v=DDDlxmsciqY&feature=pyv&ad=602481121
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