Chief
Chief of Sinners.
Composer: John Newton
1. Amazing grace! how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch; like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.
2. ’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed!
3. The Lord hath promised good to me,
His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be
As long as life endures.
4 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 first begun.
Story behind the song
The popular Christian hymn "Amazing Grace" was written in 1772 by English minister John Newton, a former enslaver. The lyrics describe the joy of receiving God's grace and redemption, even after committing terrible acts. The song reflects Newton's own experience of receiving God's mercy after a near-death experience during his time as a slave ship captain in the Atlantic slave trade. Critics praised the hymn's simplicity and connection to parishioners through references to scripture and themes of finding relief and redemption in God's grace.