Amazing Taste
 
 
A Paean to Sangria
Words and music by John Newton (1725-1807)
"Amazing Taste, how sweet to tell:
It saved a plonk like me!
I once was swill but now am swell
Was sour, but now, so sweet."

"Through rotten corks, and airs, and sours,
We have roughly come.
T'were Fruits that kept us safe for hours...
And Fruits will lead us home."

"When we've sat here ten thousand days,
Hard aging in the sun,
We've no less power to earn your praise
Than when we've first begun."



"Amazing Taste" is music of redemption and forgiveness. John Newton was an 18th Century Bristol merchant, whose ships carried goods between England, West Africa, and the West Indies. His wines suffered mightily in the tropical heat, and were often spoiled and sour by the time he served them. In 1788 a Spanish Quaker showed John how to redeem these wines with fruits and citrus juices. Thus inspired, the Englishman changed his ways, and ever after sought forgiveness from his guests for his former enological failings.

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©2004–2010 by John Newmeyer