History and Song Essay

direful Grace is sensation of the most poignant cry that was ever written whose challenge goes beyond its apparitional origins to encompass the human struggle and has evolved together with history. The shout is based on I Chronicles 1716 on the words of the Hebrew King David regarding his respect at the selection of his ho habit with Gods favor. Though there are significant theological content the telephone call, its core themes of deliverance and fortitude give extended its appeal to the military, freedom movements, and social justice.The lyrics of the pains are attributed to jakes Newton, a former slave trader who eventually became a minister in the United Kingdom in the 18th century. According to Newtons accounts, he wrote the song during a violent storm at sea, he advertantly cried out Lord, have mercy upon us (Rogers). Upon reflection subsequently on in his cabin Newton, who barely knew about religion, reflected upon the episode and realized how faith can be a core i n an individual without that person being aware of it at all.It became a real popular hymn in Newtons preaching work but was only produce as Amazing Grace in an 1831 hymnal called Virginia Harmony (Amazing Grace). It had been included in the Olney Hymns utilise 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 ancestry played with bagpipes or Celtic music (Amazing Grace). There is in like manner 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 remotion (Words to Amazing Grace). The harsh trek to the West allowed little opportunity for them to follow conventional burial rights and the song was used instead because of its commonality with Native American theologies on death ( coach 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 elect 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 overly has been adapted in America particularly for those who have Celtic ancestry (Rogers). The use of the bagpipes however, is actual ly a recent trend and was popularized through with(predicate) the 1969 film Alices Restaurant by Arthur Penn which in turn 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 accordingly 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 adoption as the Cherokee National Anthem to enter the scuff of Tears during the Native American removal. The song became also popular during both World Wars when consort 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 damage and became particular ly popular with the Black Power Movement.Similar to the Native American use of the song, more cutting 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 (Amazing Grace) The song can be expected to hold open 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 reasonableness it became popular with social movements. The line, Was blind, but now, I see is a popular theme in many human rights speeches that called fro soc ial action and reform. The song repeatedly shows a dichotomy to how which affects a person. In motto 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 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 songs long popularity and various uses attest to its ability to light upon core human desires fro freedom, salvation and justice. The songs greatest meaning lies not in its religious aspects but in its belief in the triumph of the human spirit.Works CitedAmazing Grace. Wikipedia dethaw 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