History and Song Essay

Amazing Grace is one of the most poignant song that was ever written whose appeal goes beyond its religious origins to encompass the human struggle and has evolved together with history. The song is based on I Chronicles 17:16 on the words of the Hebrew King David regarding his wonder at the selection of his house with God’s favor. Though there are significant theological content the song, its core themes of deliverance and fortitude have extended its appeal to the military, freedom movements, and social justice. The lyrics of the song are attributed to John Newton, a former slave trader who eventually became a minister in the United Kingdom in the 18th century. According to Newton’s accounts, he wrote the song during a violent storm at sea, he advertantly cried out â€Å"Lord, have mercy upon us† (Rogers). Upon reflection later on in his cabin Newton, who barely knew about religion, reflected upon the episode and realized how faith can be a core in an individual without that person being aware of it at all. It became a very popular hymn in Newton’s preaching work but was only published as Amazing Grace in an 1831 hymnal called Virginia Harmony (â€Å"Amazing Grace†). It had been included in the Olney Hymns used by Newton but had various titles given to it if any (Rogers). There were several tunes used for the hymn before it became popularized in the tune we know today. Some speculation regarding the original tune for the hymns have attributed it to African slave chants which Newton may have been familiar with because of his history with the slave trade. Others have cited that its pentatonic meter suggests that it may have had a melody played with bagpipes or Celtic music (â€Å"Amazing Grace†). There is also some suggestion that the modern version of the melody of the song, particularly in its dramatic qualities, can be traced back in the Cherokee adaptation of the song during the Native American removal (â€Å"Words to Amazing Grace†). The harsh trek to the West allowed little opportunity for them to follow traditional burial rights and the song was used instead because of its commonality with Native American theologies on death (â€Å"Trail of Tears†). The song has had several versions and has even become part of popular music with artists such as Judy Collins giving their own interpretation of the song. The song is often performed with one instrument or one type of instruments. The most popular renditions have been with wind instruments particularly bugle, horns, flute and the bagpipe. The instruments may have been chosen because of the ethereal quality of the melody and its message. Most performance of the song generally starts with a light melody that grows in strength and color as the song progresses. In the UK, the song is often played on bagpipes for military salutes that also has been adapted in America particularly for those who have Celtic ancestry (Rogers). The use of the bagpipes however, is actually a recent trend and was popularized through the 1969 film Alice’s Restaurant by Arthur Penn which in turn allowed it to figure in the counter culture issues. (â€Å"Amazing Grace†). During the American Civil War, the song was both used for military right by Union and confederate soldiers. The song’s popularity then was based on its support of the Protestant theology of â€Å"divine grace†. Many American presidents also The identification of the song with freedom and social justice began with its adoption as the Cherokee National Anthem to commemorate the Trail of Tears during the Native American removal. The song became also popular during both World Wars when allied soldiers with sing the song during the services for fallen soldiers. The popularity of the song during the sixties as social justice movements developed from their foundations in gospel movements. From being a song for memoriam, the use became to highlight the suffering from social injustice and became particularly popular with the Black Power Movement. Similar to the Native American use of the song, many black empowerment movements used the song as a thematic representation of the issues concerning social rights and equality. It was used both to express the motivations of the movement as well as provide its moral and religious basis. Some also attribute its significance to the Black Power Movement because of the association to the African Slave Trade through Newton and his subsequent abolitionist stands (â€Å"Amazing Grace†) The song can be expected to continue in its popularity because of its universal themes. The interpretation of the song ranges from deliverance to self-realization. These components allowed it to be adopted into active action as well as in devotional settings. The song has deep sense on enlightenment which is the reason it became popular with social movements. The line, â€Å"Was blind, but now, I see† is a popular theme in many human rights speeches that called fro social action and reform. The song repeatedly shows a dichotomy to how which affects a person. In saying that, â€Å"T’was Grace that taught my heart to fear. And Grace, my fears relieved,† the song is has a message that it is in recognizing our fears that one is truly delivered from them. Thus, it had an appeal to the military, the oppressed and the marginalized for the connotation of valor and courage. The song’s long popularity and various uses attest to its ability to resonate core human desires fro freedom, salvation and justice. The song’s greatest meaning lies not in its religious aspects but in its belief in the triumph of the human spirit. Works Cited â€Å"Amazing Grace†. Wikipedia Free Encyclopedia.14 March 2007. 15 March 2007. â€Å"Amazing Grace Lyrics†. Gospel Hut. 14 June 2006. 15 March 2007. â€Å"Trail of Tears†. Wikipedia Free Encyclopedia. 13 March 2007. 15 March 2007. Rogers, Al. Amazing Grace: The Story of John Newton. 1996. 15 March 2007. â€Å"Words to Amazing Grace†. Littleleaf. 14 March 2007. 15 March 2007. http://www. littleleaf. com/amazinggrace. htm