White began performing when she was a child, singing in a gospel group with her parents and brother. The group, called the White Family Singers, sang at local church and community gathering. After a while, the children began working pop music into the act, most notably Elvis Presley. As a teenager, Lari sang show tunes at talent contests and sang with a local rock & roll band. She earned a scholarship to the University of Miami, where she studied vocals and music engineering. After a while, she began writing her own songs, singing in local clubs at night and taking professional singing jobs. Upon graduating from college, she travelled around the United States, looking at various local music scenes. In 1988, she decided to move to Nashville and try to become a professional.
Later in 1988, she appeared on the Nashville Network's You Can Be a Star and won the first prize. The award led to a record contract with Capitol. Before the end of the year, she had released a single on Capitol, "Flying Above the Rain," which became a regional hit in the South but failed to break into the big time. Later that same year, she joined Ronnie Milsap's publishing house and began taking acting lessons. For the next few years, White continued in this vein, choosing to hone her talent, sing in local dinner theaters and wait for another break. That break arrived in 1991, after an ASCAP showcase revived interest in her talents. Following the showcase, Rodney Crowell asked her to sing backup vocals in his live band. In 1992, White signed a record contract with RCA and Crowell produced her debut album, Lead Me Not, which was released the following year.
Lead Me Not received strong reviews and produced three minor hit singles: "What a Woman Wants," "Lead Me Not," and "Lay Around and Love You." Wishes, White's second album, became her breakthrough release, producing the Top Ten singles "That's My Baby," "Now I Know," and "That's How You Know (When You're in Love)." Don't Fence Me In, White's third album, wasn't quite as successful as its predecessor, but it continued her success. Stepping Stone followed in 1998. In 2004, after a lenghty hiatus that found the artist building her own home studio, White released the self-produced Green Eyed Soul on the UK based Mesmerizing Records.
Amazing Grace
Lari White Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Amazing Grace
How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I was once lost
But now am found
Was blind but now I see
'Tis Grace that taught
My heart to fear
And Grace my fears relieved
Now precious dear
That Grace appear
The hour I first believed
When we've been there
Ten thousand years
Bright shining as a sun
We've no less days
To sing God's praise
Than when we first begun
Amazing Grace
How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I was once lost
But now am found
Was blind but now I see
I once was lost
Bot, now, now I'm found
I once was blind
But, now, now I see
Lari White's version of "Amazing Grace" is a stirring rendition of the beloved hymn. The song is a testament to the power of grace to save a person from darkness and despair. The first verse sets the tone for the rest of the song by announcing the sweetness of the sound of grace that saved a wretch like the singer. This word "wretch" is significant in that it indicates a person of very low moral character or poor physical condition.
The second verse reveals the singer's transformation from a lost soul to a found one. The metaphor of blindness that permeates the song adds to its emotional power. The singer was once blind to the truth, but now they see. The next two verses deal with grace's ability to teach us fear and to relieve our fears. The singer finally realizes that precious dear of grace, which appeared in the hour they first believed.
The final verse is the most joyful, as it speaks of the infinite nature of grace and the endless praise that will be sung to God. The repetition of the first verse at the end of the song reinforces the idea of salvation and reminds us of the sweet sound of grace that saved us.
Line by Line Meaning
Amazing Grace
The song's title, expressing wonder and admiration for the grace of God.
Amazing Grace
Repetition of the song's title for emphasis on the extraordinary nature of God's grace.
How sweet the sound
The mercy and salvation offered by God's grace are so welcome and delightful, like a beautiful melody or a sweet song.
That saved a wretch like me
Despite my sinful and unworthy nature, God's grace has saved me from condemnation and offered me salvation.
I was once lost
Before accepting God's grace, I was spiritually aimless and separated from God.
But now am found
Thanks to God's grace, I have found a spiritual home and am reunited with God.
Was blind but now I see
Without God's grace, I was spiritually blind and unaware, but with His grace, I have gained spiritual sight and understanding.
'Tis Grace that taught
Acknowledging that everything good in me, including my fear of God's judgment, comes from His grace.
My heart to fear
God's grace has taught me to respect and fear Him, recognizing His power and majesty.
And Grace my fears relieved
Although God's greatness inspires fear, His grace provides comfort and relief from that fear.
Now precious dear
Expressing gratitude for the moment of salvation when God's grace became clear and beloved to the singer.
That Grace appear
Asking for God's grace to be present and apparent at all times.
The hour I first believed
Reflecting on the moment of salvation when the singer accepted God's grace and became a believer in Christ.
When we've been there
Looking forward to a future time spent in Heaven.
Ten thousand years
Emphasizing the endless nature of eternity with God.
Bright shining as a sun
Describing the glorified state of those who will dwell in Heaven with God.
We've no less days
In Heaven, time will no longer be a limiting factor because eternity is infinite.
To sing God's praise
Heaven will be a place of endless worship and praise of God.
Than when we first begun
Even after an eternity in Heaven, the joy and wonder of God's grace will be as fresh as it was at the moment of salvation.
Lyrics © DistroKid, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: John Newton
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Kathryn Yell
She was taken from us way too soon a beautiful lady a beautiful singer had a voice of an Angel rest in peace my prayers go out to the family God will heal your heart in Jesus name amen🙏🙌🏼🙏😇💔❤⚘⚘⚘⚘⚘⚘
Freight Train Drifter
She is definitely a hidden gem lost to soon 🙏
S from
Lari White was a wonderfully talented woman. This is my favorite version of this song. Lari was a beautiful soul. We will see you in heaven lovely lady. I'm betting that you're singing with angels right at this very moment.
Greg Kimball
Such a beautiful lady with a beautiful voice
Allison Rodgers
you are now in God's arms. I'm sorry to hear of your passing due to cancer at the age of 52. You had a beautiful voice. Now you are singing with the angels.
Shirley Shawhan
Amen
gingercat555
Truly a beautiful version sung as good as it can be sung.
bluesmama5
Fantastic voice.
Sam Perryman
What can you say about something so beautiful, both the song & the singer.
Bruce Sheehe
This is the "REAL" Country Music! Lost WAY TOO SOON. After hearing this, THE LORD called her home!... Enough said - just beautiful all the way around.