It is difficult to understand the full meaning of “Amazing Grace” and how the song affected the life of the writer. John Newton, the song’s composer, was a “wretch” who was saved by religion. Nevertheless, how many people who sing the hymn either are “wretches” or understand the full meaning of the song?
Perhaps, this song is like so many others that are sung as a part of Sunday morning church services: words and notes on a page. Maybe the words do not mean anything to some; the “dangers, toils, and snares” are not apparent in their lives.
To others, perhaps, the song is a deep, spiritual cleansing, that stands for all they believe in. While they may not be in the same situation as Newton was, a slave trader, they may be working for the devil, straying away from God and by singing this song, they move one step closer to God and forgiveness.
It is amazing, though, how one, fairly simple song, can touch so many people from all around the world. While the tune and words in it of itself may be simple, the words are quite true and represent the confession and rebirth of an individual. Whether it is this characteristic of the song, or the beautiful harmonization of the melody that is most appealing to those who sing it is difficult to determine.
I, personally, find it hard to believe that everyone who currently sings the song would consider him or herself a “wretch,” and understands the full meaning of the words. On the other hand, it is possible that everyone who sings the song considers himself or herself to be a sinner to some extent. They have gone astray and by singing the song, they move one step closer towards repenting their sins.
The other question that is pertinent to the understanding of “Amazing Grace” is whether or not people know the situation in which Newton composed the song. I think it is quite simple to miss the meaning of the song.
But, perhaps, by knowing some of Newton’s history, it may be easier to interpret the meaning of the song.
If no one knew the circumstances under which Newton composed the song, perhaps it would fall to the wayside and never be performed. Perhaps, the songs might appear in a few hymnals and we would never know the true meaning and beauty of the songs. Instead, however, we have preserved the song, in several forms, and we are aware of its beauty. Perhaps, this is a result of the fact that we are all sinners and “Amazing Grace” is the ultimate plea for forgiveness.