Ex-Beatle Paul McCartney says that the greatest song ever written is God Only Knows by Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys. This is indeed a beautiful and masterfully orchestrated piece of music and echoes the tragically sad life story of Brian Wilson.
Some, however would insist that the song is
only one of many claimants to the title. They would include the works of
Richard Carpenter, Wolfgang Mozart, Frank Zappa, John Williams, Ennio
Morricone, Dominico Scarlatti, Michael Oldfield, and many others.
I am not an expert in musical theory or
musical history, but I would suggest another song. It is a very simple song
which has appeared in countless versions over the years.
Amazing Grace (1772) was written by
a man who for many years was a slave trader, responsible for destroying the
live of hundreds, perhaps even thousands, of people. If anyone ever knew about
guilt, regret, repentance, and forgiveness it was John Newton. After his
conversion experience, he became an Anglican clergyman.
Newton wrote the words to Amazing Grace.
The music, which comes from a traditional folk tune, was paired with the poem
in 1855 by an American composer named William Walker.
The
most well-known performance of the song is by the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards. I
am of Anglo-Norman and Scottish ancestry and this one always makes my eyes tear
up. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M8AeV8Jbx6M
My
own personal favorite performance is a far-less known one by The Silver Thistle
Pipes and Drums. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TpPHH7wQz_M
title="Top Baptist Sites">
Posts
_edit.jpg){kind=link}