Son House Songs - John the Revelator Lyrics

Son House - John the Revelator

Son House - John the Revelator Lyrics and Youtube Music Videos

Album: The Legendary Son House: Father Of Folk Blues
Released: 1965

John the Revelator Lyrics

Tell me who's that writin', John the Revelator
Tell me who's that writin', John the Revelator
Who's that writin', John the Revelator wrote the book of the seven seals

Now God walked down in the cool of the day, and called Adam by his name
But he refused to answer, 'cause he was naked and ashamed
So, tell me who's that writin', John the Revelator
Tell me who's that writin', John the Revelator
Who's that writin', John the Revelator wrote the book of the seven seals

Now Christ had 12 apostles, and three he laid away
He said "Watch for me one hour, while I go yonder and pray"

And tell me who's that writin', John the Revelator
Tell me who's that writin', John the Revelator
Who's that writin', John the Revelator wrote the book of the seven seals

Mary Margaret they were there, and they heard every word he said
Said "Go tell my disciples, I said meet me in Galilee"
And tell me who's that writin', John the Revelator
Tell me who's that writin', John the Revelator
Who's that writin', John the Revelator wrote the book of the seven seals

Who's that writin', John the Revelator
Tell me who's that writin', John the Revelator
Who's that writin', John the Revelator wrote the book of the seven seals

Writer/s: GORE, MARTIN LEE
Publisher: EMI Music Publishing, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind

John the Revelator

This traditional gospel-blues song was first recorded by Blind Willie Johnson in 1930 during his last session for Columbia Records. The title refers to the Apostle John, who penned the Book of Revelations, the last installment of the New Testament and a glimpse into the apocalyptic days of the final judgment on mankind.

Son House recorded several a capella versions of this song in the '60s. His '65 version includes lyrics about the Fall of Man (original sin and Adam & Eve's expulsion from the Garden of Eden) and Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection.

The White Stripes was one of many groups and performers to be inspired by this influential number. "Cannon" borrows the lyrics:

Tell me who's that writin'
John the revelator
Wrote the book on the Seven Seals

Christ went down on Easter mornin'
Mary mother went down to see
Gotta tell my disciples to meet me in Galilee

Jack White first encountered Son House's recording playing at a Radiohead concert when he was a teenager. He became intrigued by the man behind the voice. He explained in a 2009 interview: "One of the first things was just the name 'Son House'. What the hell was that name about?! I had gotten into [Delta Bluesman] Robert Johnson and it felt really, really compelling and beautiful. So I was there."