Amazing Grace on the Trail of Tears

Amazing Grace on the Trail of Tears


Charles Littleleaf - "Trail of Tears/ Amazing Grace"

Amazing Grace

"Amazing Grace" is a Christian hymn written by English poet and
clergyman John Newton (1725–1807) and published in 1779. It is
another example of famous hymns, such as “There Is A Fountain”,
set to popular tunes. It is one of the most recognizable songs
in the English-speaking world. It has had particular influence in
folk music, and become an emblematic African American spiritual.

The Trails of Tears

"The Trail of Tears" was the relocation and movement of Native
Americans, including many members of the Cherokee and many
other tribes, nations in the United States(Indian Removal Act of
1830), from their homelands to Indian Territory (present day
Oklahoma) in the Western United States. Many Native Americans
suffered from exposure, disease, and starvation while en route to
their destinations, and many died, including 4,000 of the 15,000
relocated Cherokee.

"Amazing Grace" on the "Trails of Tears"

There were funerals almost daily, and by the time the Cherokees
arrived in Oklahoma, the song everyone knew was the funeral song,
sung to the tune of "Amazing Grace". During the journey, it is said that
the people would sing “Amazing Grace”, using its inspiration to
improve morale. The traditional Christian hymn had previously been
translated into Cherokee by the missionary Samuel Worcester with
Cherokee assistance. The song has since become a sort of anthem
for the Cherokee people.

History like this one should never repeat itself.


Amazing Grace - Judy Collins and the choir (1970)

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.

T'was 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 that 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.

Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.

When we've been here ten thousand years
Bright shining as the sun.
We've no less days to sing God's praise
Than when we've first begun.

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.


Yeh Tze