Amazing Grace ~ Original Lyrics ~

Faith's Review and Expectation by John Newton
Based on 1 Chronicles 17.16-17
As it appears in Olney Hymns, 1779

Amazing grace! (how sweet the sound)

That sav’d 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 reliev’d;

How precious did that grace appear,

The hour I first believ’d!

Thro’ many dangers, toils and snares,

I have already come;

’Tis grace has brought me safe thus far,

And grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promis’d good to me,

His word my hope secures;

He will my shield and portion be,

As long as life endures.

Yes, when this flesh and heart shall fail,

And mortal life shall cease;

I shall possess, within the veil,

A life of joy and peace.

The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,

The sun forbear to shine;

But God, who call’d me here below,

Will be forever mine.

[The following verse was added in E.O. Excell's Coronation Hymns, 1910]

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 first begun.

Newton's text was first set to the tune NEW BRITAIN in William Walker's Southern Harmony, 1835.
Retrieved from "http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Amazing_Grace"

Message Churches are not immune to the subtle infiltration of the wrong kind of music...

Click here

for the original article

published October 2000 in Believers International News.

The Problem With Scoops and Slides

The Problem with Scoops and Slides
[print version] [audio version ]

How do we determine whether or not a particular performance technique is good or bad? What is the ultimate standard whether or not a vocal or instrumental variation is appropriate for Christian music?I believe that we must determine the purpose behind using a particular performance technique, and compare that purpose with our definition of Christian music. Here is a short summary of what I believe Christian music is:

Christian music consists of a clear, distraction-free message that is Biblical in content and delivery, Holy Spirit-filled, that is directed to the Lord, is performed as a means of edifying, teaching and admonishing fellow believers, and is testimony to the lost.

How then does this compare with the purposes of various vocal techniques that are used by contemporary musicians, such as scoops, slides, excessive syncopation, trills, ornamentation, straight tones, riffs, portamento, etc.?

I see several reasons why a singer would utilize these techniques.

1. To draw attention to the vocal prowess of the performer
2. To manipulate the emotions of the listener
3. To imitate another singer
4. To communicate sensuality
5. To create a particular atmosphere
6. To fit into a particular style or genre of music
7. To relate to a certain group of people

I believe that these techniques tend to violate at least three clear Biblical principles:

• Do not fulfill the lust of the flesh (Gal. 5:16)
• Do not exhibit pride (Pro. 8:13)
• Abstain from all appearance of evil (1 Thess. 5:22)

Christian music should never be mistaken for negative styles of music, such as the music of immorality or rebellion.

Properly used performance techniques are like spices. When used discreetly, they may be helpful in certain rare applications. All aspects of musical performance should be analyzed to see if they meet the following criteria: they should

• Enhance
• Beautify
• Illustrate
• Support
• Clarify
• Intensify
• Strengthen
• Reinforce

the message of the text.

In other words, if a particular performance technique is a help in communicating a godly message, it is perfectly acceptable to use it. If it is a distraction from the message of the song, for whatever reason, that performance technique should be avoided.

The problem with most vocal ornamentations is that they are almost exclusively used for the wrong reasons. Scooping and sliding and riffing are mostly manipulative, sensual, and self-promotional in nature and should not be used.

Music that clearly communicates a strong, positive, Biblical message will emphasize the text by using proper emphasis, word color, effective phrasing, and appropriate dynamic and tempo changes. Our music needs to be passionate, heartfelt and excellent, not manipulative, showy, or sleazy, in order to reach the intended audience.

Keep Me In Your Will

Keep Me In Your Will

Sometimes I think I'm in control

And I act so foolishly

Facing problems on my own

I don't know what's best for me

My mistakes at times disturb

All the plans you have made

Lord, keep me in your will

So, I won't be in your way

And, put me where you want to

Not where I want to be

If I should ask, for things I want

Just give me what I need

When I complain from time to time

Forgive me Lord I pray

Lord keep me in your will

So I won't be in your way

Remind me Lord, I'm just a glove

In which you place your hand

Not my will, but your's be done

Though I don't understand

The best laid plans I've made

Somehow always go astray

Lord keep me in your will

So I won't be in your way

And put me where you want to

Not where I want to be

If I should ask for things I wantJust give me what I need

When I complain from time to time

Forgive me Lord I pray

Lord keep me in your will

So I won't be in your way

I need you dear Lord

I need you each and every day

Lord keep me in your will

So I won't be in your way

Just keep me in your will

So I won't be in your way