As previously mentioned, John Newton had a long, hard and eventful life. His song, Amazing Grace, also travelled far and wide in both the religious and secular world. The book, ‘Amazing Grace’ by Steve Turner, which is extremely well researched, faithfully records not only the composer’s life and times but also traces the song’s journey, especially in America where, ironically, it was a favourite with black gospel choirs.
I decided to try and write a song inspired by Newton’s life and found some of its words and phrases fitted nicely. My song emphasises the slavery angle, though in fact he continued in the trade for some years after his dramatic conversion. Eventually, after becoming the vicar of a London parish church, he became friends with William Wilberforce and joined the fight to abolish slavery. It may seem incredible to us now that most people were opposed to abolition, but there were many reasons for this. Firstly, slave trading had gone on around the world for hundreds, if not thousands of years, and almost all African slaves were captured and transported initially by their own countrymen. Secondly, it was generally accepted that black people were an inferior and godless race who did not deserve equal rights (and cruel, inhumane treatment of others was commonplace then). Lastly, the slave trade contributed greatly to British (and European) wealth and many thought the economy would collapse without it. The moral arguments were generally not taken seriously – much as many people now are more worried about the economic impact of immigration than alleviating the suffering of migrants and refugees.
Anyway, my song is a very simplified version of Newton’s life and doesn’t really address it’s prime intention – to highlight God’s grace. However, that is not the reason for writing my song.
JOHN NEWTON (1725 – 1807)
The captain of a slave trading ship – John Newton was his name, Sailing the old Atlantic triangle, all to his eternal shame. But one dark night a mighty storm blew up, And raged for three days or more, Till none of the crew thought they’d ever walk again, All upon fair Albion’s shore. But the waves they crashed and the timbers cracked, And the first mate swept right away. So John took the helm and fought for so long, Crying Lord save our souls I pray. Through many dangers, toils and snares, oh I have already come, But grace hath brought me safe so far and grace will lead me home. And so John Newton was heard to say and in his journal he did write, Great was our deliverance all upon that most fearful night. I once was lost but now am found, was blind but now I see. And like all good Christian gentlemen, A slaver no more I’ll be.Note : I usually finish by singing a verse of Amazing Grace