In honor of Bono's Birthday (10 May) and in the Spirit of ONEness, I would like to post the words to the song that Bono has said repeatedly is his most favorite song, "Amazing Grace".
This song has a VERY interesting history that possibly a lot of people aren't aware of.
The author of the song was John Newton, who was the captain of several slave ships which brought people from Africa to the "New World". During one trip, a severe storm arose and Newton and his entire ship almost died. Newton was also contracted a severe fever. When his life was at its lowest point, Newton "found God" and renounced his slave ship life. He became a minister and fought AGAINST the slave trade!
It is east to see why this song is Bono's favorite, with its emphasis on Redemption and Grace, along with its BEAUTIFUL melody and words.
So, for Bono and for us, here is "Amazing Grace", may these words help to unite us and motivate us to work together for a better world.
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.
'Twas 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 hath 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.
When we've been there ten thousand years, bright shining as the sun,
We've no less days to sing God's praise
than when we'd first begun."
AMEN, BONO!
This song has a VERY interesting history that possibly a lot of people aren't aware of.
The author of the song was John Newton, who was the captain of several slave ships which brought people from Africa to the "New World". During one trip, a severe storm arose and Newton and his entire ship almost died. Newton was also contracted a severe fever. When his life was at its lowest point, Newton "found God" and renounced his slave ship life. He became a minister and fought AGAINST the slave trade!
It is east to see why this song is Bono's favorite, with its emphasis on Redemption and Grace, along with its BEAUTIFUL melody and words.
So, for Bono and for us, here is "Amazing Grace", may these words help to unite us and motivate us to work together for a better world.
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.
'Twas 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 hath 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.
When we've been there ten thousand years, bright shining as the sun,
We've no less days to sing God's praise
than when we'd first begun."
AMEN, BONO!
