Introduction
Johnny Cash’s haunting rendition of “God’s Gonna Cut You Down” isn’t an original song, but a traditional folk ballad that’s been around for decades. Often referred to as “Run on for a Long Time,” variations of this song have been sung for generations, serving as a moral reminder that no matter your actions in life, a final reckoning awaits.
Early documented versions of the song date back to the late 1940s, with recordings by Bill Landford and The Landfordaires. Gospel singer Odetta helped popularize the song in the 1950s with her rendition titled “God’s Gonna Cut You Down.” Cash’s powerful and stark version, released posthumously on his album “American V: A Hundred Highways” in 2006, brought the song to a wider audience.
Cash’s deep, gravelly voice delivers the lyrics with a sense of both urgency and inevitability. The simple, stripped-down arrangement with just guitar and percussion emphasizes the stark message of the song. Each verse warns of various sinners: the liar, the gambler, the backstabber. The chorus delivers the central message: “You can run on for a long time/ Sooner or later God’ll cut you down.”
“God’s Gonna Cut You Down” transcends religious boundaries. While the title references a divine judgment, the core message is a universal one: everyone faces consequences for their actions. Cash’s powerful delivery makes this a timeless reminder of our mortality and the importance of living a righteous life.