John Henry
Rev. Gary Davis & Pink Anderson Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Through the long, long day of this troublous life
Support us, Lord, till evening comes
When the shadows yawn and the world is hushed
Life's fever falls and our work is done
Then, in mercy, grant us safe lodging
And a holy rest and a blessed calm
And peace, peace at the last
So be it

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Rev. Gary Davis & Pink Anderson's song "John Henry" reflect a deep sense of faith and a longing for peace at the end of a tumultuous life. The singer asks for the Lord's support throughout life's hardships until the moment he reaches the end of his journey. The mention of shadows and a silent world implies that the singer has been through many struggles, but as evening comes and life's fever falls, his work is done.

In the last verse, the singer appeals to the Lord for mercy, asking for a safe place to rest, a sense of calm, and peace at last. There is a sense of resignation and acceptance in this verse, as the singer acknowledges that life is full of troubles, but ultimately one can find peace in the end. The song may also reflect the African American experience of struggle and oppression, and the hope for a better life beyond this world.

Line by Line Meaning

Through the long, long day of this troublous life
Throughout the often difficult and trying journey of life, with all its challenges and obstacles

Support us, Lord, till evening comes
Guide and sustain us, O Lord, until the end of the day, until our journey is complete

When the shadows yawn and the world is hushed
As the darkness creeps over the land and the noise of the world fades into stillness

Life's fever falls and our work is done
As the excitement and activity of life slowly diminishes and our earthly labor comes to an end

Then, in mercy, grant us safe lodging
Please, in your great mercy, provide us with a safe and peaceful place to rest and lay our weary heads

And a holy rest and a blessed calm
Grant us a time of sanctified and blessed rest, a period of calm and tranquility that we may be recharged and revitalized

And peace, peace at the last
Above all, we ask for peace - peace to calm our restless hearts, to bring us comfort and contentment, and to guide us through the life to come

So be it
Amen. Let it be so.

Lyrics © DistroKid
Written by: Matthew Simpkins

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

TRACKS