Amazing Grace Lyrics – Full Text
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.
‘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,
I have already come;
‘Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.
The Lord has promised good to me,
His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.
Yea, 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 called me here below,
Will be forever mine.
“Amazing Grace” is more than just a hymn—it is a heartfelt confession, a spiritual journey, and a global anthem of hope. Written by John Newton, a former slave trader who found faith, the song reflects his personal transformation from sin to salvation. Since its first appearance in 1779 in the Olney Hymns, it has inspired generations across churches, schools, and even secular stages.
In this post, we explore the full Amazing Grace lyrics, provide a line-by-line explanation, and offer guitar chords, piano tabs, and a look into the history behind this soul-stirring song. Whether you’re learning it for worship or reflecting on its message, this guide will help you understand its depth and beauty.
Line-by-Line Meaning of Amazing Grace Lyrics
“Amazing grace! (how sweet the sound) / That saved a wretch like me!”
John Newton begins by celebrating grace—a free gift of God’s love and forgiveness. Calling himself a “wretch” shows his deep awareness of past sins, and how undeserving he felt of salvation.
“I once was lost, but now am found / Was blind, but now I see.”
These lines reflect spiritual awakening. Newton uses “lost” and “blind” as metaphors for a life lived without God, and “found” and “see” for redemption and clarity through faith.
“’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear / And grace my fears relieved”
Grace first made him recognize the seriousness of sin (“taught my heart to fear”), then comforted him with the assurance of God’s mercy.
“How precious did that grace appear / The hour I first believed!”
Newton recalls how grace became real and precious to him at the moment of his conversion—a deeply emotional and transformative experience.
“Through many dangers, toils and snares / I have already come”
This line acknowledges that life is full of hardships. But Newton credits grace with protecting him through every struggle.
“’Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far / And grace will lead me home.”
Here, Newton expresses confidence that the same grace that carried him so far will guide him into eternal life.
“The Lord has promised good to me / His word my hope secures”
The foundation of hope lies in God’s promises. This line reaffirms that the Bible and God’s word offer enduring comfort.
“He will my shield and portion be / As long as life endures”
God is portrayed as both a protector (“shield”) and provider (“portion”), sustaining Newton spiritually and emotionally throughout life.
“Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail / And mortal life shall cease”
Newton reflects on death, recognizing the end of the physical body and earthly life.
“I shall possess within the veil / A life of joy and peace.”
“Within the veil” refers to entering Heaven, where the soul experiences eternal peace and joy in God’s presence.
“The earth shall soon dissolve like snow / The sun forbear to shine”
A vision of the end times—when even the earth and sun pass away. It emphasizes that nothing earthly is eternal.
“But God, who called me here below / Will be forever mine.”
Despite worldly endings, God remains. This final line celebrates the unchanging, eternal relationship between the believer and the Creator.
Few hymns in history have touched as many hearts as “Amazing Grace.” Written in 1772 by John Newton—a former slave trader turned Christian preacher—this song is a powerful testimony of personal transformation, forgiveness, and divine love. Whether sung in churches or played at solemn ceremonies, “Amazing Grace” continues to resonate with believers around the world.
In this post, you’ll find the complete Amazing Grace lyrics, a line-by-line breakdown of their meaning, and a simple guide to playing it on guitar and piano.
Final Thoughts
“Amazing Grace” is not just a hymn—it’s a story of brokenness transformed by divine mercy. Whether you’re singing it in worship, learning it on guitar, or just reflecting on its powerful lyrics, it reminds us of a grace that is undeserved, yet freely given. Its message of hope, redemption, and eternal love continues to speak to every generation.
Here is the full guitar chord version of “Amazing Grace” in the Key of G, which is beginner-friendly and commonly used in worship settings. Each line includes the proper chord placement for smooth playing and singing.
🎸 Amazing Grace Guitar Chords (Key of G)
G C G
Amazing grace! how sweet the sound
D
That saved a wretch like me!
G C G
I once was lost, but now am found
D G
Was blind, but now I see.
G C G
'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear
D
And grace my fears relieved
G C G
How precious did that grace appear
D G
The hour I first believed
G C G
Through many dangers, toils and snares
D
I have already come
G C G
'Tis grace that brought me safe thus far
D G
And grace will lead me home
G C G
The Lord has promised good to me
D
His word my hope secures
G C G
He will my shield and portion be
D G
As long as life endures
G C G
Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail
D
And mortal life shall cease
G C G
I shall possess, within the veil
D G
A life of joy and peace
G C G
The earth shall soon dissolve like snow
D
The sun forbear to shine
G C G
But God, who called me here below
D G
Will be forever mine
🎵 Chords Used
- G Major
- C Major
- D Major
These are basic open chords ideal for beginner guitarists. A slow strumming pattern like D – D U – U D U (D = down, U = up) works beautifully with the song’s pace and emotion.
The Story Behind Amazing Grace
The hymn “Amazing Grace” was written in 1772 by John Newton, a former slave ship captain turned Anglican minister. Newton’s early life was marked by rebellion, profanity, and involvement in the slave trade. But after surviving a violent storm at sea in 1748, he experienced a spiritual awakening that would lead him to Christianity.
Although it took years before he fully left the slave trade, Newton eventually became a passionate abolitionist, working alongside William Wilberforce to end slavery in England. “Amazing Grace” was part of the Olney Hymns collection he co-authored with poet William Cowper.
The hymn reflects Newton’s personal story of redemption—moving from wretchedness to grace. It became an anthem not only for Christian worship but also for civil rights movements, prison ministries, and moments of national mourning and hope.
Fun Fact:
The melody most commonly associated with “Amazing Grace” (called “New Britain”) was added later and first published with the hymn in 1835.
FAQs About Amazing Grace
John Newton wrote the lyrics in 1772 as a reflection of his personal conversion from a sinful life to one of faith in God. It expresses his gratitude for God’s mercy.
No, but it is based on biblical themes like redemption, forgiveness, and salvation—especially inspired by verses like 1 Chronicles 17:16–17 and Ephesians 2:8–9.
Yes. The original lyrics and traditional tune are in the public domain.
Yes! The simple melody works well on many instruments, including ukulele, harmonica, and flute.
C major or G major are easiest for most vocal ranges.
It refers to spiritual blindness and finding salvation—acknowledging a lost life without God and being found through divine grace.
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