About The Song
Johnny Cash’s rendition of “God’s Gonna Cut You Down” is a haunting and thought-provoking piece that has solidified its place in the country music canon. This traditional folk song, popularized by Cash in 2006, is a stark reminder of mortality and the inevitability of judgment.
The song’s lyrics are simple yet profound, serving as a cautionary tale about the consequences of one’s actions. The repeated refrain, “God’s gonna cut you down,” is both a warning and a promise of ultimate justice. Cash’s deep, resonant voice and the song’s sparse instrumentation create a haunting atmosphere that draws the listener in and holds them captive.
What makes “God’s Gonna Cut You Down” so powerful is its universal theme of mortality. The song’s message is timeless and transcends cultural and religious boundaries. It serves as a reminder that everyone, regardless of their station in life, will eventually face their maker.
Cash’s version of the song is particularly striking due to his deep, authoritative voice and the raw emotion he brings to the performance. His interpretation of the lyrics gives the song a sense of urgency and immediacy, making it feel as if the message is being delivered directly to the listener.
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Lyric
… Oh my God… You can run on for a long timeRun on for a long timeRun on for a long timeSooner or later God’ll cut you downSooner or later God’ll cut you down… Go tell that long tongue liarGo and tell that midnight riderTell the rambler, the gambler, the back biterTell ’em that God’s gonna cut ’em downTell ’em that God’s gonna cut ’em down… Well my goodness gracious let me tell you the newsMy head’s been wet with the midnight dewI’ve been down on bended kneeTalkin’ to the man from Galilee… He spoke to me in the voice so sweetI thought I heard the shuffle of the angel’s feetHe called my name and my heart stood stillWhen he said, “John, go do my will!”… Go tell that long tongue liarGo and tell that midnight riderTell the rambler, the gambler, the back biterTell ’em that God’s gonna cut ’em downTell ’em that God’s gonna cut ’em down… You can run on for a long timeRun on for a long timeRun on for a long timeSooner or later God’ll cut you downSooner or later God’ll cut you down… Well you may throw your rock and hide your handWorkin’ in the dark against your fellow manBut as sure as God made black and whiteWhat’s down in the dark will be brought to the light… You can run on for a long timeRun on for a long timeRun on for a long timeSooner or later God’ll cut you downSooner or later God’ll cut you down… Go tell that long tongue liarGo and tell that midnight riderTell the rambler, the gambler, the back biterTell ’em that God’s gonna cut you downTell ’em that God’s gonna cut you downTell ’em that God’s gonna cut you down… Oh yeahCut him downCut him downCut him down