Songs with Jim Spry

Gichi-Zhawenjigewining (Amazing Grace)

Jim Spry & Margaret Noodin. Photo by Janis Fairbanks.

This translation is partially based on one first published in 1910 in the Ojibwe Hymnal compiled by Rev. Edward Coley Kah-O-Sed, who was born on Walpole Island First Nation, Bkejwanong Territory, Ontario, Canada, in 1870, where there was a strong Anglican tradition at the time. He went to Miskwaagamiiwi Zaaga’iganing Red Lake Nation in Minnesota to work as an interpreter in 1894 and was ordained as an Episcopal priest in 1907 by James Dow Morrison, bishop of Duluth.

A version of this song has been used in many Ojibwe communities with Anglican, Catholic, Episcopal and Midewin traditions by the Ojibwe Hymn Singers. In the fall of 2024, their services were still regularly being requested via a Facebook page where they say the main function of their ministry “is to help families and friends that have had a death to go through the grieving process.”

These songs remain a lovely way to learn Ojibwemowin with examples of language use that all students can enjoy. For example, in this song, ”giiwoshkaw”, meaning “to follow someone back” appears as the participle “gaawoshkawang” inviting all of us to follow.

See all songs with Jim Spry

Songs with Jim Spry

This song and others in our Songs with Jim Spry section are favorites of Jim who was born in 1939 in Cloquet, Minnesota, to parents living in Gichi-Onigaming (Grand Portage). His father came from Gaa-waabaabiganikaag (White Earth) to Gichi-Onigaming to work for the CCC, met Jim’s mother, and stayed. He is known along the north shore as a talented singer and guitar-player and made these recordings with Margaret Noodin in 2024 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, the Elders Nutrition Program, or at homes in Gichi-Onigaming. The translations were done by Margaret with input from Jim and Michael Zimmerman, Jr.
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Amazing Grace

1
Gichi-zhawenjigewining
Amazing Grace how sweet the sound

Bimaaji’igooyang
That saved and set me free

Ningaagiibiinweniban igo
I once was lost but now am found

Noongom idash niwaab
Was blind but now I see

2
Ingii-zegiz imaa nindeng
Twas Grace that taught my heart to fear

O zhaawanjigewining
And Grace my fears releived

Nindaanjibizaaniz igo
How precious did that Grace appear

Gii-debweyindamaan
The hour I first believed

3
Niwaawiindamaag Gizhemanidoo
The Lord has promised good to me

Wii-apenimoyaan
His word my hope secures

Apane ganawenimid igo
He will my shield and portion be

Apiich bimaadiziyaan
As long as life endures

4
Niibowa bi-niizaanag igo
Through many dangers toils and snares

Nimbimizhaabawitoon
I have already come

Ningaa-de-dagwashimigoo
Tis Grace has brought me safe thus far

Owiidookaagewin
And Grace will lead me home

5
Apii gichi-gaa-bi-ayaayang
When we’ve been here then thousand years

Gii-wiijiwang debaasigeyang
Bright shining as the sun

Dibishkoo wii-gaawoshkawang
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise

Maamiikwaabandamang dash
Than when we’d first begun

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