What if Amazing Grace was Detroit Techno

A six-stanza public-domain hymn becomes a Detroit techno track: four-on-the-floor drive, clipped synth stabs, metallic bell tones, and a clear vocal that keeps the source text in view.

The words are attributed to John Newton and were published in Olney Hymns. Hymnary lists the text as public domain and dates it to 1779. The lyric wording below follows the six-stanza text reproduced in the 1840 edition of Olney Hymns.

[Verse 1] 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.

[Verse 2] 'twas grace that taught my heart to fear, and grace my fears relieved; how precious did that grace appear the hour i first believed!

[Verse 3] through many dangers, toils and snares i have already come: 'tis grace has brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home.

[Verse 4] the Lord has promised good to me, his word my hope secures; he will my shield and portion be as long as life endures.

[Verse 5] 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.

[Verse 6] the earth shall soon dissolve like snow, the sun forbear to shine; but God, who called me here below, will be for ever mine.