It has been recorded by the following:
Odetta God's Gonna Cut You Down
The Blind Boys of Alabama Run On For A Long Time
Moby Run On
Kevin Max : Run On For A Long Time (Featuring Chris Sligh)
Bill Landford & the Landfordaires:Run for a Long Time
God's Gonna Cut You Down
Johnny Cash Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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 done 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 has a strong religious and moral theme, warning listeners that their actions will have consequences in the eyes of God. The opening lines, "You can run on for a long time, sooner or later God'll cut you down," set the tone for the rest of the song. The repetition of these lines, along with the powerful chorus, emphasizes the inevitability of judgment and punishment for those who have sinned.
The second verse shows the singer's personal connection with God. He has heard His voice and felt the presence of His angels. The experience has moved him to dedicate his life to doing God's will, and he now feels empowered to spread the message of warning to those who have strayed from the path of righteousness.
The third verse speaks to the idea that people may think they can get away with immoral behavior, hiding their true intentions and actions in the darkness. However, the singer makes it clear that their secrets will come to light and they will face judgment for their sins.
Line by Line Meaning
You can run on for a long time
You may continue with your immoral actions for a significant period
Run on for a long time
This wickedness can persist for quite some time
Run on for a long time
The act of evil can go on for a considerable duration
Sooner or later God'll cut you down
Eventually, God will reveal your true nature and punish you for your wrongdoings
Sooner or later God'll cut you down
God will bring judgment upon you at some point in time for your immoral acts
Go tell that long tongue liar
Convey a message to the deceitful person who misleads with their words
Go and tell that midnight rider
Inform that person who moves with secrecy, likely to carry out evil deeds
Tell the rambler, the gambler, the back biter
Notify the wanderer who causes chaos, the person who takes unnecessary risks with their life, and the one who speaks ill of others behind their backs
Tell 'em that God's gonna cut 'em down
Inform them that they will face the wrath of God for their wickedness
Tell 'em that God's gonna cut 'em down
Let them know that they will suffer the consequences of their actions at God's hands
Well my goodness gracious let me tell you the news
Oh my, let me share this significant information with you
My head's been wet with the midnight dew
I have been outside in the late night with my head moistened by the dew
I've been down on bended knee talkin' to the man from Galilee
I have humbled myself and prayed to Jesus Christ
He spoke to me in the voice so sweet
I heard the gentle voice of Jesus speaking to me
I thought I heard the shuffle of the angel's feet
I could almost hear the sound of the angels around me
He called my name and my heart stood still
Jesus called out to me, and I was stunned
When he said, "John, go do my will"
Jesus instructed me to carry out His purpose
Well, you may throw your rock and hide your hand
You may attack someone without being held accountable for your actions
Workin' in the dark against your fellow man
Engaging in sinister activities against your fellow human beings clandestinely
But as sure as God made black and white
Just as certain as the contrast between black and white exists by God's design
What's done in the dark will be brought to the light
Your secret wrongdoings will be exposed
Go tell that long tongue liar
Inform that person who makes false statements frequently
Go and tell that midnight rider
Convey a message to that individual who moves in darkness, perhaps engaged in committing wrongful acts
Tell the rambler, the gambler, the back biter
Notify that restless person who causes chaos, the risk-taker, and the individual who gossips maliciously behind people's backs
Tell 'em that God's gonna cut 'em down
Let them know that God will punish them for their immorality
Tell 'em that God's gonna cut 'em down
Convey the message that God will exact His judgment upon them
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: John R. Cash, Traditional
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@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