History and Song Essay

unspeakable goodwill is one of the close poignant poetry that was ever pen whose bring up goes beyond its religious origins to encompass the human struggle and has evolved together with history. The tenor is based on I Chronicles 1716 on the words of the Hebrew King David regarding his wonder at the selection of his brook with Gods favor. Though there are signifi backsidet theological content the song, its core motions of deliverance and fortitude project extended its appeal to the military, freedom fecal matters, and social justice.The lyrics of the song are attri plainlyed to John Newton, a spring slave trader who eventually became a minister in the joined Kingdom in the 18th century. According to Newtons accounts, he wrote the song during a violent storm at sea, he advertantly cried discover Lord, call for 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 c ore in an individual without that person universe aware of it at all.It became a very fashionable hymn in Newtons preaching work but was only publish as fearsome bedight in an 1831 hymnal called Virginia Harmony ( frightening favor). It had been included in the Olney Hymns uptaked 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. around speculation regarding the legitimate tune for the hymns engender 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 symphony (Amazing Grace). There is also some suggestion that the new version of the melody of the song, in particular in its dramatic qualities, can be traced back in the Cherokee adaptation of the song during the inseparable Amer ican remotion (Words to Amazing Grace). The harsh trek to the West allowed gnomish opportunity for them to follow traditional burial rights and the song was used rather because of its commonality with Native American theologies on death (Trail of weeping).The song has had several versions and has even become part of popular medicine 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 discolour 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). Th e use of the bagpipes however, is actually a recent movement and was popularized through the 1969 film Alices Restaurant by Arthur Penn which in form allowed it to figure in the counter culture issues. (Amazing Grace). During the American Civil War, the song was both used for military right by Union and confederate soldiers. The songs popularity then was based on its support of the Protestant theology of divine grace.Many American presidents also The identification of the song with freedom and social justice began with its word meaning as the Cherokee National Anthem to commemorate the Trail of crying during the Native American removal. The song became also popular during both World Wars when ally 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 inj ustice 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 standoff to the African Slave Trade through Newton and his subsequent abolitionist stands (Amazing Grace) The song can be expected to hold out 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 take 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, Was blind, but now, I see is a popular theme in many human rights speeches that call ed fro social action and reform. The song repeatedly shows a dichotomy to how which affects a person. In saying that, Twas 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 sincerely delivered from them. Thus, it had an appeal to the military, the oppressed and the marginalized for the connotation of valor and courage. The songs keen-sighted popularity and various uses attest to its ability to resonate core human desires fro freedom, redemption and justice. The songs greatest meaning lies not in its religious aspects but in its belief in the triumph of the human spirit. whole works CitedAmazing Grace. Wikipedia Free Encyclopedia.14 March 2007. 15 March 2007. Amazing Grace Lyrics. Gospel Hut. 14 June 2006. 15 March 2007. 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. Words to Amazing Grace. Littleleaf. 14 March 2007. 15 March 2007. http//www. littleleaf. com/amazinggrace. htm