"Amazing Grace (Used to Be Her Favorite Song)" is a song written by Russell Smith, first recorded in Montreal in 1974 by

Jesse Winchester James Ridout "Jesse" Winchester Jr. (May 17, 1944 – April 11, 2014) was an American-Canadian musician and songwriter. He was born and raised in the southern United States. Opposed to the Vietnam War, he moved to Canada in 1967 to avoid b ...

and his band the Rhythm Aces, assisted by Smith. During the winter of 1976, it became a hit by the

Amazing Rhythm Aces Amazing may refer to: Music Performers * The Amazing, a Swedish indie rock band Albums * ''Amazing'' (Banaroo album), 2006 * ''Amazing'' (Elkie Brooks album), 1996 * ''Amazing'' (Marcia Hines album) or the title song, 2014 * ''Amazin'' (Tri ...

on their 1975 album '' Stacked Deck''. It was the band's follow-up single to their debut hit "

Third Rate Romance "Third Rate Romance" is a song written by Russell Smith, first recorded in Montreal in 1974 by Jesse Winchester and his band the Rhythm Aces, assisted by Smith. It became a hit the following year by the newly re-formed Amazing Rhythm Aces on its ...

." The song reached #9 on the U.S. country singles chart and #72 on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100. It charted very similarly in Canada.

Content

The song is a

cautionary tale A cautionary tale is a tale told in folklore to warn its listener of a danger. There are three essential parts to a cautionary tale, though they can be introduced in a large variety of ways. First, a taboo or prohibition is stated: some act, lo ...

against the dangers of

alcoholism Alcoholism is, broadly, any drinking of alcohol (drug), alcohol that results in significant Mental health, mental or physical health problems. Because there is disagreement on the definition of the word ''alcoholism'', it is not a recognize ...

. It also teaches a second moral lesson, prompting the listener to consider the effects of negative personal influences in the lives of others, especially within the context of close relationships. In the song, a husband accepts the blame for introducing his wife to a lifestyle of

alcohol Alcohol most commonly refers to: * Alcohol (chemistry), an organic compound in which a hydroxyl group is bound to a carbon atom * Alcohol (drug), an intoxicant found in alcoholic drinks Alcohol may also refer to: Chemicals * Ethanol, one of sev ...

and partying through her desire to change him by doing what pleased him. He describes her previously as a "good girl" and an "angel," with "

Amazing Grace "Amazing Grace" is a Christian hymn published in 1779 with words written in 1772 by English Anglican clergyman and poet John Newton (1725–1807). It is an immensely popular hymn, particularly in the United States, where it is used for both ...

" as her favorite song. But after suffering neglect from his devotion to many late nights out drinking, over time she herself falls harder to the power of his bad habits and ultimately leaves him.

Chart performance

References

External links

Lyrics of this song
* {{authority control 1974 songs The Amazing Rhythm Aces songs 1975 singles Songs written by Russell Smith (singer) ABC Records singles