About the song
Johnny Cash, a name synonymous with country music, has left an indelible mark on the genre. His distinctive baritone voice and poignant lyrics have resonated with audiences for decades. One of his most enduring songs, “God’s Gonna Cut You Down”, is a timeless anthem that speaks to the universal human experience of mortality.
Originally written by Blind Willie Johnson in 1927, the song was revived and popularized by Cash in 1968. His rendition, with its stark arrangements and Cash’s emotive delivery, transformed the song into a haunting and contemplative piece. The lyrics, filled with imagery of judgment and retribution, serve as a stark reminder of the inevitability of death.
Cash’s version of “God’s Gonna Cut You Down” is more than just a song about death; it’s a meditation on life’s fragility and the importance of living a meaningful existence. The song’s repetitive chorus, “God’s gonna cut you down, one of these days,” creates a sense of foreboding and inevitability. Yet, the song also offers a glimmer of hope, suggesting that true righteousness will prevail.
The song’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to connect with people on a deep emotional level. Its themes of mortality, judgment, and redemption are universal, transcending cultural and religious boundaries. Cash’s haunting performance adds a layer of authenticity and gravitas to the song, making it a truly timeless piece of music.
Video
Lyrics
… Oh my God
… You can run on for a long time
Run on for a long time
Run on for a long time
Sooner or later God’ll cut you down
Sooner or later God’ll cut you down
… Go tell that long tongue liar
Go and tell that midnight rider
Tell the rambler, the gambler, the back biter
Tell ’em that God’s gonna cut ’em down
Tell ’em that God’s gonna cut ’em down
… Well my goodness gracious let me tell you the news
My head’s been wet with the midnight dew
I’ve been down on bended knee
Talkin’ to the man from Galilee
… He spoke to me in the voice so sweet
I thought I heard the shuffle of the angel’s feet
He called my name and my heart stood still
When he said, “John, go do my will!”
… Go tell that long tongue liar
Go and tell that midnight rider
Tell the rambler, the gambler, the back biter
Tell ’em that God’s gonna cut ’em down
Tell ’em that God’s gonna cut ’em down
… You can run on for a long time
Run on for a long time
Run on for a long time
Sooner or later God’ll cut you down
Sooner or later God’ll cut you down
… Well you may throw your rock and hide your hand
Workin’ in the dark against your fellow man
But as sure as God made black and white
What’s down in the dark will be brought to the light
… You can run on for a long time
Run on for a long time
Run on for a long time
Sooner or later God’ll cut you down
Sooner or later God’ll cut you down
… Go tell that long tongue liar
Go and tell that midnight rider
Tell the rambler, the gambler, the back biter
Tell ’em that God’s gonna cut you down
Tell ’em that God’s gonna cut you down
Tell ’em that God’s gonna cut you down
… Oh yeah
Cut him down
Cut him down
Cut him down