Working as a music therapist in a hospital, I encounter a lot of patients and sing a lot of songs. I couldn’t even begin to guess how many different songs I perform each week. Usually songs change from day to day and I only perform them once a month or less. Though the other day I realized, there is one song in particular that I seem to sing quite often.
The Song: Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone) by Chris Tomlin
I have had several patients request this song and I have chosen to use it with several as well. If a patient has heard the song before, they always state that they enjoy it. Likewise, for those who have not heard it before, they also state that they enjoy the song after they hear it. The song so brilliantly takes the classic Amazing Grace that everyone knows and combines it with a powerful addition: “My chains are gone, I’ve been set free… My God my Savior, has ransomed me… and like a flood his mercy rains… unending love… Amazing Grace”. One of the best things about this song is since people of all ages know the classic version of Amazing Grace, the song is new, yet familiar. Even if it is the first time they have ever heard the song. The additional melody line pairs amazingly well with the original lyrics and is usually the patient’s favorite part. All of the patients I treat are battling cancer and numerous times I have heard the comparison of the “chains” to their chemotherapy and radiation treatments. They have told me they imagine breaking free from cancer’s grasp and the song uplifts and reassures them. In addition, the emotional and spiritual effects the song has on some people can be quite significant. I have seen many tears and held numerous discussions about holding onto faith.
So if you haven’t heard this one, take a listen! Such a lovely song needs to be heard 🙂
