About the song
“God’s Gonna Cut You Down” is a timeless gospel song that has been recorded by numerous artists across various genres. The song’s origins can be traced back to the 19th century, when it was sung in African-American churches as a warning to those who lived a sinful life. Over the years, the song has undergone numerous transformations, with each artist putting their unique spin on the classic tune.
One of the most iconic versions of the song is the one recorded by Johnny Cash in 2003. Cash’s version, featured on his album American V: A Hundred Highways, is a hauntingly beautiful rendition that showcases his distinctive baritone voice. The song’s arrangement is quite different from most known gospel versions, with a more subdued and introspective tone that adds to its emotional impact.
The song’s music video, directed by Tony Kaye, was released in 2006 and features a star-studded cast of celebrities, including David Allan Coe, Patricia Arquette, and Kanye West, among many others. The video was shot entirely in black and white, adding to its haunting and atmospheric quality.
“God’s Gonna Cut You Down” has also appeared in several TV shows and films, including the Fox series Gotham, the NBC series The Blacklist, and the Australian road trip mini-series Wanted. The song’s versatility and timeless message have made it a staple of American music, with numerous artists recording their own versions over the years.
From Odetta’s 1957 album Odetta Sings Ballads and Blues to Bobbie Gentry’s 1968 album The Delta Sweete, and from the Blind Boys Of Alabama’s 2001 album Spirit Of The Century to Tom Jones’ 2010 album Praise & Blame, “God’s Gonna Cut You Down” has been reinterpreted and reimagined by artists across generations. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its power and relevance, and its ability to transcend time and genre.
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