Johnny Cash
God's Gonna Cut You Down Lyrics
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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 '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
The song "God's Gonna Cut You Down" by Johnny Cash is a cautionary tale that speaks to the ultimate judgement of God. From the opening lyrics, "You can run on for a long time, sooner or later God'll cut you down," the song sets the tone for its message. It warns those who use their words to lie, ride through the night, gamble and backbite, that they will eventually face the consequences of their actions. Cash sings, "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." The song thus highlights the importance of leading a righteous, honest life and doing God's will.
The second verse is particularly interesting in that it portrays Cash's personal experience of speaking to the man from Galilee. He reveals that he has been on bended knee, praying and has heard a voice that he recognizes as being that of an angel. The voice tells him to go and do God's will. This indicates that Cash himself has had a spiritual awakening, and he is warning others to heed the call to live righteous lives.
Line by Line Meaning
You can run on for a long time
No matter how long you try to avoid the consequences of your actions, you can only do so for a limited time.
Sooner or later God'll cut you down
Regardless of how long you run, eventually you will face the consequences of your actions.
Go tell that long tongue liar
Expose the deceitful and dishonest individuals who use their words to deceive others.
Go and tell that midnight rider
Expose those who use the cover of darkness to carry out their misdeeds and escape justice.
Tell the rambler, the gambler, the back biter
Expose those who recklessly wander from one situation to the next, those who gamble with the lives of others, and those who betray those closest to them.
Tell 'em that God's gonna cut 'em down
Warn these individuals that ultimately they will face judgement and be held accountable for their actions.
Well my goodness gracious let me tell you the news
Listen closely, because what I am about to say is important.
My head's been wet with the midnight dew
I have been out in the world and seen the worst of humanity.
I've been down on bended knee talkin' to the man from Galilee
I have prayed for guidance and understanding from a higher power.
He spoke to me in the voice so sweet
The voice of God was kind and gentle, despite the harsh message he was conveying.
I thought I heard the shuffle of the angel's feet
I sensed the divine presence of angels surrounding me.
He called my name and my heart stood still
God called out to me and I was humbled and still in his presence.
When he said, 'John go do My will!'
I was given a divine mandate to carry out God's work in the world.
Well you may throw your rock and hide your hand
You may try to deceive and hurt others covertly, but your actions will be revealed eventually.
Workin' in the dark against your fellow man
Engaging in malicious actions that harm others and ignoring the harm you are causing.
But as sure as God made black and white
Just as certain as the difference between black and white, your actions will be exposed.
What's down in the dark will be brought to the light
The truth will eventually be revealed, no matter how much someone tries to hide it.
Contributed by Andrew B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@boboutdoors8722
Leaving this comment so that whenever someone likes it I'll comeback and listen to this masterpiece
@ScorpionP2C
Come back sir.
@isbryanflyingordying2202
Get your ass back here
@lastnamefirstname9043
150 times in 3 weeks? You haven't listened enough here's another
@jcshinobi1973
And another….
@harrybob1998
Come on man 244
@LOL-cringe
- what’s done in the dark will be brought to the light..
- no truer words spoken.
- rest in Peace Mr. Cash
@EliThaShaman
His songs have purpose I feel like he actually felt compelled by god... I've had my own masters call before so I wouldn't doubt it
@faithisprecious
We're all gonna find out in this lifetime that's for sure!
@EliThaShaman
@@faithisprecious what righteous times we get to bare witness to. We shall participate in our own Kingdom come