Probably everyone who’s attended some kind of Christian funeral has heard this hymn, as it’s especially Popular for those occasions. And you can see why. The words are beautiful and striking, and the melody is at the same time lovely and singable. What’s not to like? Then there’s the backstory to the Song, which contains drama and irony in about equal parts: John Newton, a slave trader, is converted to Christianity and leaves his dreadful business, becoming a part of the anti-slavery movement. We all love a good redemption story, don’t we? Real life, however, is seldom if ever so ... Read more

The post Why is the song “Amazing Grace” so popular, and, as a Sidenote, why is it seen as particularly suitable for the bagpipes? appeared first on Behind the Music.