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Amazing Grace

"Amazing Grace" is a Christian hymn whose lyrics were written by English clergyman John Newton in 1772 and first published in 1779.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

"Amazing Grace" is a Christian hymn whose lyrics were written by English clergyman John Newton in 1772 and first published in 1779. It is sung to the tune "New Britain" in its familiar modern form and has become one of the best-known and most recorded hymns in the world.

Origins

John Newton wrote the text in 1772, likely for a New Year’s Day sermon in Olney. The words were first printed in 1779 in *Olney Hymns*, a collection Newton published with William Cowper.

Melody and later arrangement

The lyrics were not originally attached to a single tune. The melody now most associated with the hymn, "New Britain," was later paired with the text, helping establish the version widely sung today.

Themes and meaning

The hymn expresses the transformation from despair to hope through God's mercy. Its language reflects Newton’s own religious conversion and has made it a lasting anthem of repentance and redemption.

Cultural significance

"Amazing Grace" has become one of the most recorded hymns in the world and has been used in diverse religious, civic, and popular-music settings. It has had particular influence in American folk and gospel traditions.

Key facts

  • The hymn was written by John Newton, an English clergyman and former slave trader, in 1772.
  • It was first published in 1779 in the collection *Olney Hymns*.
  • The version most commonly sung today uses the tune "New Britain," which was paired with the text in the 19th century.
  • The hymn’s themes include redemption, forgiveness, and salvation through divine grace.
  • It has been widely recorded and is among the most recognizable hymns in the English-speaking world.
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Canadian context

The hymn is familiar to Canadian audiences through church worship, school music programmes, and public commemorations, and it is part of the broader English-language hymn tradition used in Canada.

Frequently asked questions

Who wrote "Amazing Grace"?
John Newton, an English clergyman and former slave trader, wrote the lyrics in 1772.
When was "Amazing Grace" first published?
It was first published in 1779 in *Olney Hymns*.
What tune is "Amazing Grace" usually sung to?
The familiar version is sung to the tune "New Britain."
What is "Amazing Grace" about?
The hymn describes redemption, forgiveness, and salvation through divine grace after a life of despair and sin.
Is "Amazing Grace" a traditional folk song?
No. It began as a Christian hymn, though it later became influential in folk and gospel traditions.
Why is "Amazing Grace" historically significant?
It is one of the world’s best-known hymns and has been widely recorded, adapted, and used in both religious and secular settings.

References

  1. Library of Congress — https://www.loc.gov/collections/amazing-grace/articles-and-essays/creation-of-amazing-grace/
    Supports: John Newton wrote the poem in 1772; themes; autobiographical context.
  2. Library of Congress — https://www.loc.gov/collections/amazing-grace/articles-and-essays/dissemination-of-amazing-grace.html/
    Supports: Later pairing with the tune and dissemination history.
  3. Library of Congress — https://www.loc.gov/loc/lcib/0705/hymn.html
    Supports: Publication in 1779 and broad popularity.
  4. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amazing_Grace
    Supports: General overview; hymn origin, publication, tune, popularity.
  5. NPR — https://www.npr.org/2002/12/29/894060/amazing-grace
    Supports: Popularity, recordings, and historical evolution.