Lyrics

John The Revelator Lyrics

John the Revelator is a song that has been around for centuries, and is a classic amongst gospel and blues fans alike. It has been covered by many different artists, and has been interpreted in a variety of ways. I’m sure we can all agree that its mysterious lyrics have been a source of fascination for many. In this article, I will take a closer look at the lyrics of John the Revelator, exploring the meaning behind them and how they have been interpreted over the years. I’ll also discuss how the song has been adapted by different artists, and how its message has changed over time. So if you’re interested in learning more about John the Revelator, keep reading!

John The Revelator

John the Revelator is a traditional gospel blues song which has been covered by numerous artists over the years and is arguably the most famous gospel blues song ever recorded. It was first recorded by Son House in 1930 and later by Blind Willie Johnson in 1940. Its lyrics are based on the New Testament book of Revelation, specifically Revelation 5:1-14.

The song is known for its traditional “call and response” structure. It starts with a repeated chorus, “John the Revelator, de blind prophet said” which is then followed by a series of verses. The verses feature a variety of characters from the Bible, including John the Baptist, Moses and the Lamb of God.

The song has been covered by a variety of artists, including Bob Dylan, Muddy Waters, Eric Clapton, and U2. Dylan’s version, which became a Top 40 hit in 1964, is arguably the most famous version of the song.

John the Revelator is a popular song among gospel blues fans and is often performed at concerts, churches, and festivals. It has been featured in films, including The Blues Brothers and O Brother, Where Art Thou? It has also been included in various soundtracks, such as The Big Lebowski and The Hateful Eight.

John the Revelator is an important part of American music history and a reminder of the power of traditional gospel blues. It continues to be covered by modern artists and remains a popular choice for gospel blues performances.

Origins: Blues Song, Blind Willie Johnson

The song ‘John the Revelator’ is a traditional spiritual blues song, originating from the African American tradition. It was popularized by Blind Willie Johnson in the 1930s, and has since been covered by over 200 artists. The lyrics of this song are based on the biblical Book of Revelation, and it is said to be a call for Christianity.

The song’s popularity has grown throughout the years, thanks to its uplifting spiritual messages and distinct sound. It has been covered by artists such as Bob Dylan, Tom Waits, and Nick Cave. While the origin of the song is unknown, it is believed to have originated in either Mississippi or Texas.

The original version of the song by Blind Willie Johnson featured Johnson’s rough and powerful voice, accompanied by his slide guitar. This version captured the attention of both blues and gospel fans, and it was soon covered by many other artists. Johnson’s version of ‘John the Revelator’ was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2006, proving the lasting power of this timeless song.

The lyrics of ‘John the Revelator’ tell the story of how Jesus will one day come back to judge the world. The song is both uplifting and ominous in its message, and it has been interpreted in various ways over the years. Johnson’s version of the song is considered to be one of the most influential recordings of the twentieth century.

Whether you’re a fan of the blues, gospel, or simply looking to

Meaning: Biblical Allusions

John the Revelator is a traditional gospel blues song, composed by American musician Blind Willie Johnson in 1930. According to Rolling Stone magazine, it is one of the greatest songs of all time. The song is based on a passage from the Book of Revelation in the Bible, which is the source of its title. The lyrics of the song refer to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ and the end of the world.

The song is an example of how traditional gospel blues can be used to tell stories from the Bible. Johnson’s lyrics, which are largely taken from the Book of Revelation, allude to biblical characters such as John the Apostle, the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, and the Beast of Revelation. He also makes references to the Day of Judgment and God’s wrath.

The song has since become a popular spiritual hymn in churches around the world. According to the Gospel Music Association, it is one of the most-covered gospel songs of all time and has been recorded by various artists, including Elvis Presley and Led Zeppelin. The song has also been used in film and television, most notably in the Coen Brothers’ film O Brother, Where Art Thou?

John the Revelator is a classic example of the power of gospel blues music to communicate biblical stories through song. By using musical and lyrical elements from the blues genre, Johnson was able to create a powerful spiritual song that has stood the test of time. Ultimately, the song is a testament to the creative genius of Blind Willie Johnson and the power of traditional gospel music.

Cultural Influence: Cover Versions

The spiritual song “John the Revelator” is an old blues standard that plays an important role in the African American musical tradition. Believed to have originated in the early 20th century, it’s been recorded by iconic artists like Blind Willie Johnson, Son House and Bob Dylan. It’s lyrics, which focus on the biblical John the Revelator, have been interpreted and reinterpreted for decades.

The song’s influence can be seen throughout pop culture. References to “John the Revelator” have been made in films such as O Brother Where Art Thou and Across the Universe. It’s been covered by various rock, blues and jazz musicians, including Johnny Cash, Cream and Hubert Sumlin. Even the Allman Brothers Band took a stab at the Great American Songbook, playing a version of the song at the 1973 Watkins Glen Summer Jam.

The song’s popularity has endured throughout the years, and it continues to be covered and performed today. In 2017, for example, British rockers The Who performed the song as part of their 50th anniversary tour. It’s also been featured in the 2018 documentary film RBG, which chronicles the life of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

“John the Revelator” is an important part of our musical heritage, and its influence is still being felt in popular culture today. It’s a timeless piece of music that speaks to the soul, and it’s a

Music & Lyrics: Deeply Symbolic

John the Revelator is a traditional gospel blues song written by the legendary bluesman, Blind Willie Johnson in 1930. It is one of his most famous and enduring songs, and its powerful lyrics have been interpreted in a variety of ways. The lyrics to John the Revelator are deeply symbolic and the song is often associated with the Book of Revelation in the Bible. In fact, the lyrics contain numerous references to the Bible and it is believed that Johnson was expressing his Christian beliefs.

The song has been covered by a number of artists, including Bob Dylan, Cream, and the Grateful Dead. It is also often featured in films such as O Brother, Where Art Thou? and The Big Lebowski. Studies have shown that it is one of the most covered blues songs of all time, with over 650 renditions since Johnson’s original recording in 1930.

John the Revelator is considered to be an important part of the blues tradition because of its symbolic meaning and its widespread influence. The lyrics feature a number of biblical references and its themes of faith and perseverance have resonated with many people. It has been described by some as a “spiritual and inspiring” song, and it is often cited as an example of the power of gospel music.

In recent years, John the Revelator has become an important cultural touchstone. It has been featured on several television shows and films, and it has been used in a number of campaigns, including Coca-Cola’s “Share a Coke” campaign in 2016. The song has

Recorded Versions: Dylan, Cohen

John the Revelator is a traditional gospel song, originating in the United States sometime in the early 20th century. It has since been recorded by a variety of popular artists, including Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen, and Blind Willie Johnson. It is a timeless classic that has been covered by many modern artists.

Bob Dylan’s version of John the Revelator was released in 1962 on his album “Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan”. His iconic recording has become a cult classic, and has been covered by numerous other artists. Dylan’s version features a faster tempo and heavier guitar sounds than the traditional gospel version.

Leonard Cohen’s version of John the Revelator was released in 1984 on his album “Various Positions”. His version is a slower, more somber interpretation of the original. Cohen’s recording has become a fan favorite, and has been included on multiple tribute albums.

Blind Willie Johnson’s version of John the Revelator is considered by many to be the original version. Johnson’s version was recorded in 1930 and released on the album “Blind Willie Johnson: The Complete Collection”. Johnson’s version is a blues-infused take on the traditional gospel song.

John the Revelator has become a part of American popular culture, and each of the three recorded versions provide unique interpretations of the classic gospel song. Whether you prefer the faster tempo of Dylan’s version, the somber tones of Cohen’s,

Legacy: Cultural Impact

John the Revelator is an iconic blues and gospel song first recorded in 1930 by Blind Willie Johnson. The lyrics draw from religious biblical symbolism and are believed to be one of the earliest examples of blues spirituals. It remains a powerful and popular song today, and has had a lasting impact on the musical landscape.

The song’s influence can be seen in numerous genres of music, including country, blues, rock, and soul. It has been covered by notable artists like Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, and The White Stripes, and has been sampled by Nas, Nine Inch Nails, and The Rolling Stones. Its most famous rendition is Son House’s rendition, which was included in the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2001.

The song has left an indelible mark on popular culture. In 2006, it was featured in the video game Guitar Hero II and in 2019, it was featured in the movie, John Wick

  1. The song has been used in several musicals including Jesus Christ Superstar and Godspell. It has been featured in the books The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and The Grapes of Wrath.

    John the Revelator has also had a major influence on civil rights movements. In 1954, the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee used the song as their anthem and during the height of the movement, it was part of the soundtrack for civil rights protests and marches. The song also became a part of the repertoire of the Freedom Singers, an interracial folk music group formed in the early 1960s to promote civil rights

Conclusion

the lyrics of John the Revelator provide a powerful insight into the power of faith and perseverance. The lyrics, which are often interpreted as a call to action or a prayer of redemption, have been recorded by many different artists throughout history. Although the original artist of the song is unknown, its message of hope and courage has been embraced by generations of people. The song’s impact is undeniable, as it has become a widely popular spiritual anthem and source of inspiration for many. These lyrics serve to remind us that faith is an important factor in achieving a better future. Therefore, we should remember the power of John the Revelator and the strength it can bring to us in times of hardship. It is an example of how music, faith, and perseverance can have a lasting impact on our lives.