Amazing Grace was written by English clergyman John Newton and first published in 1779, with its lyrics drawing on his own experience of redemption. Set later to the traditional melody known as New Britain, it became one of the most recorded hymns in the world and a staple of Christian worship, funerals and public memorials. The song crossed into popular culture through countless choir, folk and solo recordings, and short excerpts now circulate online as a shorthand for solemn remembrance, sincere gratitude or gentle ironic relief after a dramatic scene.