And Can It Be that I Should Gain

Hymn lyrics and .mp3 Download

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1. And can it be that I should gain an interest in the Savior's blood! Died he for me? who caused his pain! For me? who him to death pursued? Amazing love! How can it be that thou, my God, shouldst die for me? Amazing love! How can it be that thou, my God, shouldst die for me?

2. 'Tis mystery all: th' Immortal dies! Who can explore his strange design? In vain the firstborn seraph tries to sound the depths of love divine. 'Tis mercy all! Let earth adore; let angel minds inquire no more. 'Tis mercy all! Let earth adore; let angel minds inquire no more.

3. He left his Father's throne above (so free, so infinite his grace!), emptied himself of all but love, and bled for Adam's helpless race. 'Tis mercy all, immense and free, for O my God, it found out me! 'Tis mercy all, immense and free, for O my God, it found out me!

4. Long my imprisoned sprit lay, fast bound in sin and nature's night; thine eye diffused a quickening ray; I woke, the dungeon flamed with light; my chains fell off, my heart was free, I rose, went forth, and followed thee. My chains fell off, my heart was free, I rose, went forth, and followed thee.

5. No condemnation now I dread; Jesus, and all in him, is mine; alive in him, my living Head, and clothed in righteousnes divine, bold I approach th' eternal throne, and claim the crown, through Christ my own. Bold I approach th' eternal throne, and claim the crown, through Christ my own.

Words by: Charles Wesley
Music by: Thomas Campbell
Video so you can sing along to And Can It Be that I Should Gain

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Story of And Can It Be

Background
Charles Wesley (1707–1788), co-founder of Methodism with his brother John, was a prolific hymn writer—he wrote over 6,000 hymns.
“And Can It Be” was one of his earliest hymns, written in 1738, shortly after his dramatic conversion experience.

Wesley’s Conversion
Charles had been a devout Anglican, but for years he struggled with assurance of salvation.
On May 21, 1738, while sick and recovering in London, he experienced what he described as a deep inner awakening to faith in Christ.
Just three days later, his brother John had his famous “heart strangely warmed” experience at Aldersgate.
In the joy of his newfound assurance, Charles wrote this hymn to express wonder and gratitude at God’s grace.

The Hymn’s Message
The hymn begins with amazement: “And can it be that I should gain an interest in the Savior’s blood?”
It emphasizes the mystery of salvation—why should Christ die for sinners?
The most famous stanza paints Wesley’s sense of personal liberation:

Long my imprisoned spirit lay, Fast bound in sin and nature’s night; Thine eye diffused a quickening ray— I woke, the dungeon flamed with light; My chains fell off, my heart was free, I rose, went forth, and followed Thee.

This imagery reflects Wesley’s experience of feeling set free from spiritual bondage.

The Tune
Today, the hymn is most often sung to the stirring tune Sagina, composed by Thomas Campbell in 1825.
The powerful melody matches Wesley’s words of awe and triumph.

Legacy
“And Can It Be” has become one of Wesley’s most enduring hymns, often considered his conversion hymn.
It remains a favorite in Methodist, evangelical, and other Christian traditions, especially for its victorious refrain: “Amazing love! How can it be, That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?”