God's Gonna Cut You Down

"God's Gonna Cut You Down" (also known as "God Almighty's Gonna Cut You Down", "God's Gonna Cut 'Em Down", "Run On" and "Sermon") is a traditional American folk song.[1] The track has been recorded in a variety of genres, including country, folk, alternative rock, electronic and black metal.[2] The lyrics warn evildoers that they cannot avoid God's eventual judgment.[3]

As "Run On For A Long Time", it was released in 1949 by Bill Landford & The Landfordaires.[4][5] As "God's Gonna Cut You Down", it was performed by Odetta on Odetta Sings Ballads and Blues (1956), and Johnny Cash on the posthumously released American V: A Hundred Highways (2006). Marilyn Manson also used this title for a non-album single in 2019.[6] As "Run On", it has been recorded by Elvis Presley and Tom Jones, and the Blind Boys of Alabama. The song has been covered by many other artists.[1]

  1. ^ a b Butkewicz, Niholas (July 22, 2013). "Johnny Cash and the Many Versions of 'God's Gonna Cut You Down'". No Depression: A Journal of Roots Music. Retrieved November 6, 2019.
  2. ^ "God's Gonna Cut You Down (Johnny Cash cover), by Panzerfaust". Bandcamp. Retrieved November 6, 2019.
  3. ^ "Hear Marilyn Manson's Dark Rendition Of Traditional American Folk Song 'God's Gonna Cut You Down'". Blabbermouth.net. October 18, 2019. Retrieved November 6, 2019.
  4. ^ "Bill Landford & The Landfordaires – Run On For A Long Time". Discogs. Retrieved January 14, 2024.
  5. ^ "Week 557: "Run On For A Long Time" by Bill Landford and the Landfordaires". Beautiful Song Of The Week. January 11, 2021. Retrieved January 14, 2024.
  6. ^ Hartmann, Graham (October 18, 2019). "Marilyn Manson Releases Video for 'God's Gonna Cut You Down'". Loudwire. Retrieved November 6, 2019.