Johnny Cash – “God’s Gonna Cut You Down”: The Grim Warning of a Man Who Knew the End
When Johnny Cash recorded “God’s Gonna Cut You Down”, he was nearing the end of his life. His gravelly voice feels like it comes from beyond the grave, echoing truths stripped of glamour or illusion. In this song, Johnny doesn’t just sing — he delivers a warning.
This is a traditional folk gospel song, centuries old, but in Cash’s hands, it becomes a chilling judgment on liars, hypocrites, and those who live without conscience. No matter if you’re a king or a crook — “God’s gonna cut you down.”
Released posthumously, the music video is one of the most haunting visual statements ever associated with Johnny Cash. Shot in stark black and white, it features celebrities like Johnny Depp, Kanye West, Chris Rock, Justin Timberlake, Bono, Patti Smith, Terrence Howard, and more — all dressed in black, silently staring into the lens. None of them sings. They just stare. As if bearing witness to Johnny’s final prophecy.
“Go tell that long tongue liar… tell the rambler, the gambler, the back biter… that God’s gonna cut him down.”
It’s not just a song. It’s a final warning from a man who’s walked through fire — and knew what waited on the other side.
… You can run on for a long time Run on for a long time Run on for a long time Sooner or later God’ll cut you down Sooner or later God’ll cut you down
… Go tell that long tongue liar Go and tell that midnight rider Tell the rambler, the gambler, the back biter Tell ’em that God’s gonna cut ’em down Tell ’em that God’s gonna cut ’em down
… Well my goodness gracious let me tell you the news My head’s been wet with the midnight dew I’ve been down on bended knee Talkin’ to the man from Galilee
… He spoke to me in the voice so sweet I thought I heard the shuffle of the angel’s feet He called my name and my heart stood still When he said, “John, go do my will!”
… Go tell that long tongue liar Go and tell that midnight rider Tell the rambler, the gambler, the back biter Tell ’em that God’s gonna cut ’em down Tell ’em that God’s gonna cut ’em down
… You can run on for a long time Run on for a long time Run on for a long time Sooner or later God’ll cut you down Sooner or later God’ll cut you down
… Well you may throw your rock and hide your hand Workin’ in the dark against your fellow man But as sure as God made black and white What’s down in the dark will be brought to the light
… You can run on for a long time Run on for a long time Run on for a long time Sooner or later God’ll cut you down Sooner or later God’ll cut you down
… Go tell that long tongue liar Go and tell that midnight rider Tell the rambler, the gambler, the back biter Tell ’em that God’s gonna cut you down Tell ’em that God’s gonna cut you down Tell ’em that God’s gonna cut you down
