God's Gonna Cut You Down
Marilyn Manson Lyrics


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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 of 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 his voice so sweet
I thought that I heard the shuffle of 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 of 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
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 of 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
Tell 'em that God's gonna cut 'em down

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Marilyn Manson's song God's Gonna Cut You Down draw heavily from a traditional African American spiritual that bears the same title. The song has a warning message and draws emphasis on what goes around comes around, and ultimately, the inevitability of facing one's actions, with its repercussions being inescapable. The lyrics warn people to mend their ways or face the wrath of God. The song's chorus hammers the point of the ultimate consequence of one's actions, as it keeps repeating; 'Run on for a long time. Sooner or later, God'll cut you down.' The song, in its entirety, is a message of redemption or the warning of the inevitable consequences of living outside the boundaries of what is right and wrong.


The song’s adaptation has an interesting backstory. Johnny Cash recorded the song in 2003 and was included on his album American V: A Hundred Highways, which was released posthumously in 2006. The video for Marilyn Manson’s adaptation features several prominent actors and celebrates his infamous controversial style.


Line by Line Meaning

You can run on for a long time
You can try to evade punishment for a while


Run on for a long time
Keep trying to get away with your misdeeds


Run on for a long time
Don't stop your evasive behavior


Sooner or later, God'll cut you down
The consequences of your actions will ultimately catch up to you


Sooner of later, God'll cut you down
No matter how long you run, you will eventually face the consequences


Go tell that long tongue liar
Expose those who tell lies


Go and tell that midnight rider
Reveal those who conceal their true intentions


Tell the rambler, the gambler, the back biter
Inform those who constantly engage in risky behavior and betray others


Tell 'em that God's gonna cut 'em down
Make it known that everyone will eventually face judgement


Well, my goodness gracious, let me tell you the news
Listen up, I have an important message to share


My head's been wet with the midnight dew
I have had a spiritual experience


I've been down on bended knee, talkin' to the man from Galilee
I have sought guidance from Jesus


He spoke to me in his voice so sweet
Jesus communicated with me in a comforting manner


I thought that I heard the shuffle of angel's feet
I felt like I was in the presence of angels


He called my name and my heart stood still
Jesus spoke to me directly and it was a powerful moment


When he said, "John, go do My will"
Jesus gave me a specific task to carry out


Well, you may throw your rock and hide your hand
You may try to harm others while concealing your true identity


Workin' in the dark against your fellow man
You are acting against others in a malicious and secretive way


But as sure as God made black and white
Just as sure as the difference between black and white exists


What's done in the dark will be brought to the light
Your misdeeds will be exposed eventually


Go tell that long tongue liar
Expose those who spread falsehoods


Go and tell that midnight rider
Expose those who engage in shady behavior


Tell the rambler, the gambler, the back biter
Inform those who are dishonest and treacherous


Tell 'em that God's gonna cut 'em down
Let them know that they will ultimately face consequences for their actions


Tell 'em that God's gonna cut 'em down
Reinforce the message that their behavior cannot go unpunished




Lyrics © Public Domain
Written by: Traditional

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@BrookeTheOutcast

“What’s done in the dark will be brought to the light “

@brandondewitt2162

Don't forget that lol

@1984NatashaT

Marilyn Manson does some of the best covers I’ve ever heard. This is definitely one of them.

@MRHEEL-ys2rq

Another Brick in the wall and sweet dreams, tainted love

@bamblowsFan

The End too!

@ricardosantini5717

​@@MRHEEL-ys2rq unfortunately the another brick in the wall cover that you're talking about, it's not from him..

@anscobox

He never did another brick in the wall lol@@MRHEEL-ys2rq

@judyjohnson630

@@ricardosantini5717 Who is it by?

12 More Replies...

@wandalee5010

I loved the fact that he gave props to Johnny! He didn’t change it to his own identity! This song is power! Just let it go... God will cut em down!

@marilynmanson4008

Hello how are you doing it’s nice meeting you here

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