Presley was born in Tupelo, Mississippi, and relocated to Memphis, Tennessee, with his family when he was 13 years old. His music career began there in 1954, recording at Sun Records with producer Sam Phillips, who wanted to bring the sound of African American music to a wider audience. Accompanied by guitarist Scotty Moore and bassist Bill Black, Presley was a pioneer of rockabilly, an uptempo, backbeat-driven fusion of country music and rhythm and blues. In 1955, drummer D. J. Fontana joined to complete the lineup of Presley's classic quartet and RCA Victor acquired his contract in a deal arranged by Colonel Tom Parker, who would manage the singer for more than two decades. Presley's first RCA single, "Heartbreak Hotel", was released in January 1956 and became a number one hit in the United States. With a series of successful network television appearances and chart-topping records, he became the leading figure of the newly popular sound of rock and roll. His energized interpretations of songs and sexually provocative performance style, combined with a singularly potent mix of influences across color lines during a transformative era in race relations, made him enormously popular—and controversial.
In November 1956, Presley made his film debut in Love Me Tender. Drafted into military service in 1958, Presley relaunched his recording career two years later with some of his most commercially successful work. He held few concerts however, and guided by Parker, proceeded to devote much of the 1960s to making Hollywood movies and soundtrack albums, most of them critically derided. In 1968, following a seven-year break from live performances, he returned to the stage in the acclaimed television comeback special Elvis, which led to an extended Las Vegas concert residency and a string of highly profitable tours. In 1973, Presley gave the first concert by a solo artist to be broadcast around the world, Aloha from Hawaii. Years of prescription drug abuse severely compromised his health, and he died suddenly in 1977 at his Graceland estate, just 42 years of age.
Presley is one of the most celebrated and influential musicians of the 20th century. Commercially successful in many genres, including pop, country, blues, and gospel, he is the best-selling solo artist in the history of recorded music. He won three competitive Grammys, received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award at age 36, and has been inducted into multiple music halls of fame.
Run On
Elvis Presley Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Run on for a long time
Run on for a long time
Let me tell you god almighty gonna cut you down
Go tell that long tongued liar, oh well well
Go tell that midnight rider, oh well well
Tell the gambler, rambler, back-biter
Stop god almighty let me tell you the news
My head's been wet with the midnight dews
Coming down on my bended knees
Talking to the man from Galilee
My God spoke and He spoke so sweet
I thought I heard the shuffle of angel's feet
He put one hand upon my head
Great God almighty let me tell you what He said
Go tell that long tongued liar, oh well well
Go tell that midnight rider, oh well well
Tell the gambler, rambler, back-biter
Tell them God almighty gonna cut them down
Run on for a long time
Run on for a long time
Let me tell you God almighty gonna cut you down
You may throw your rock and hide your hand
Working in the dark against your fellow man
As sure as God made the day and the night
What you do in the dark will be brought to the light
You may run and hide, slip and slide
Trying to take the mote from your neighbor's eyes
As sure as God made the rich and poor
You gonna reap just what you sow
Run on for a long time
Run on for a long time
Let me tell you God almighty gonna cut you down
Go tell that long tongued liar, oh well well
Go tell that midnight rider, oh well well
Tell the gambler, rambler, back-biter
Tell them God almighty gonna cut them down
Some people go to church just to sit in the fire
Trying to make a date with the neighbor's wife
Brother let me tell you as sure as you're born
You better leave that woman alone
Because one of these days mark my word
You think that brother is going to work
And you'll sneak up and knock on that door
That's all brother you'll knock no more
Run on for a long time
Run on for a long time
Let me tell you God almighty gonna cut you down
Go tell that long tongued liar, oh well well
Go tell that midnight rider, oh well well
Tell the gambler, rambler, back-biter
Tell them God almighty gonna cut them down
Elvis Presley's song "Run On" is a powerful gospel blues song that touches on themes of morality, repentance, and judgment. The song's refrain "run on for a long time" reminds the listener that their actions have consequences, and they cannot escape the ultimate judgment that awaits them. The repeated line "God almighty gonna cut you down" serves as a warning to those who think they can get away with their misdeeds.
The first verse speaks to the idea that some people seem to get away with their wrongdoings for a long time, but eventually, they will face the consequences of their actions. The second verse talks about spreading the word to everyone, including those who cheat, lie, and deceive. The third verse brings in a personal, spiritual element, with the singer talking about communing with God and hearing His voice. The fourth verse brings the message back to a broader audience, warning that wrongdoing will eventually be brought to light.
The fifth verse takes on a more specific situation, addressing those who try to harm others in secret, repeating that God sees all and will bring it to light. The sixth verse returns to the universal, stating that actions will have consequences regardless of status. In the seventh verse, the singer speaks directly to those who would try to use religion as a cover for their immoral behavior. The final verse is a warning to those who seek to interfere in other people's relationships and warns that their actions will come back to haunt them.
Overall, "Run On" is a powerful song about the consequences of one's actions, whether good or bad, and the inevitability of judgment.
Line by Line Meaning
Well you may run on for a long time
You may continue your wrongdoing for a long time
Let me tell you god almighty gonna cut you down
But eventually, the omnipotent God will punish you for your actions
Go tell that long tongued liar, oh well well
Spread the word to those who spread lies and rumors
Go tell that midnight rider, oh well well
Warn those who secretly engage in illicit activities
Tell the gambler, rambler, back-biter
Let those who indulge in gambling, wandering, and talking behind people's backs know
Stop god almighty let me tell you the news
Listen to what I have to say, God
My head's been wet with the midnight dews
I've had moments of nighttime contemplation and reflection
Coming down on my bended knees
Praying earnestly on my knees
Talking to the man from Galilee
Communicating with Jesus Christ
My God spoke and He spoke so sweet
God spoke with kindness and mercy
I thought I heard the shuffle of angel's feet
I sensed the presence of angels nearby
He put one hand upon my head
God placed His hand on my head as a sign of blessing
Great God almighty let me tell you what He said
God's message was powerful and significant
You may throw your rock and hide your hand
You may act deceptively and covertly harm others
What you do in the dark will be brought to the light
However, the truth will eventually be revealed about your actions
Trying to take the mote from your neighbor's eyes
You may attempt to criticize someone else despite having flaws yourself
You gonna reap just what you sow
You will face the consequences of your actions
Some people go to church just to sit in the fire
Some people attend church services despite their intentions and inner desires
Trying to make a date with the neighbor's wife
They have impure thoughts and intentions towards others' partners
Brother let me tell you as sure as you're born
I'm telling you, without a doubt
You better leave that woman alone
It's best to stay away from that woman
That's all brother you'll knock no more
Otherwise, you'll face the consequences and not be able to do it again
Lyrics © BUDDE MUSIC FRANCE, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Elvis Presley
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@prod.lilsycoonthabeat4159
I love Elvis Presley who uploads all the Elvis music since he passed
@handofgod2000
The king lives forever ❤️ 🙌
@Eduardo_3334
Im sorry to write this on this type of video but i just want you to know.
@johngant6079
The best forever
@marionlabua1967
❤😂@@Eduardo_3334
@johnhariis250
@@Eduardo_3334
Alleluia 👑
@flbravesfanatic
God or Elvis? My God is forever
@lindawhite5006
This man (Elvis of course) speaks to my soul and has all 66 years of my life! My Dad introduced me to ELVIS when I was a baby. Honestly my Dad could sing just like him! He only sang to me and my mother. He never tried to capitalize on his ability. But I swear, I never hear ELVIS that I don't get a warm and loving feeling and think of my Dad! He was an EPIC entertainer!
@DonaldFredrick-mm7pl
Hello,how are you doing, hope your staying safe?
@Thatguyfrom1959
The king had such heavenly vocals 😫👑..... love from India 🇮🇳