For me Amazing Grace represents; my favorite song, one of my favorite movies of all time, a catalyst for my interest in the Slave Trade, and so much more. A quick glance at my iPod will find these simple words “Amazing Grace How Sweet the Sound” etched on the back, but what it won’t tell you is what those words have come to mean to me.
My journey with Amazing Grace started (to the best of my memory) with the rendition offered by Elvis Presley, a man who could easily be dismissed for his failings in later life, but should be remembered for bringing Black Music’s essence to the masses, at the very least within the context of this blog. It has, since the first time I heard it, been my favorite song. I have several versions on my iPod including – of course – the Elvis Version, and one or two that are mostly bagpipes.
This song written by John Newton and published in 1779, has come to be the most meaningful piece of music in my life, and, is in some ways the inspiration for The Black History Month Project – I first saw the photo header (or similar image) while researching Amazing Grace.
The story goes: a Slave Ship Captain is in his cabin one night in the mid-Atlantic in the midst of a terrible storm. He can hear the slaves in the berths below screaming in pain and fear, the sound of their cries awakens him to the sheer horror of what he is doing. Transporting ship after ship full of souls to their deaths, or possibly worse, to a lifetime of servitude. The Captain repents and vows to find a new line of work. In the morning the storm has passed the ship remains afloat. The Captain thankful that his life has been spared, reflects on his life and pens the lyrics to Amazing Grace.
The first time I heard this story (or some version of it) I was moved beyond words that a piece of music that already meant so much to me could have such a profound connection to my ancestral history – a special thank you to my OAC Lit teacher John Rogers, I can’t remember exactly how, but he had something to do with my learning this information. There are no words to describe the understanding and clarity that come with the realization that a) not all of your ancestors were born free and b) for some these horrible Atlantic crossings were a part of their reality.
My research has shown that some of the details do not hold completely true to the story I was first told. But, the salient facts remain; John Newton was indeed a Slave Ship Captain and upon seeing the error of his ways he left the trade, settled in the priesthood and wrote this song.
And then came the Movie: When Amazing Grace the Movie was released on my 25th Birthday – March 23, 2006, I saw it as a sign. A movie based upon my favorite song of all time? Pure providence.
The Movie follows the life of William Wilberforce – the man who would mastermind the end to the Slave Trade, in the movie Wilber consults his preacher – John Newton. Although the plot was ripped from the history books, I will not give away anything here as I hope that all will take the time to view this movie.
Lyrics:
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.
T’was 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 that 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.
When we’ve been here ten thousand years
Bright shining as the sun.
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise
Than when we’ve first begun.
The Black History Month Project 