Saturday, May 16, 2009

Blues Song In The Spotlight: John The Revelator

Son House's version of this song is the definitive version as far as I am concerned. But I'm trying to not be such a purist, and this song is a good jumping off point.







Lyrics of John The Revelator
From Wikipedia

The lyrics below are Blind Willie Johnson's version of "John the Revelator". Subsequent versions feature a variety of substituted verses and different interpretations of Johnson's lyrics.

[call] Well who's that a-writin'? [response] John the Revelator
Who's that a-writin'? John the Revelator
Who's that a-writin'? John the Revelator
A book of the seven seals

Tell me what's John a-writin'? Ask the Revelator
What's John a-writin'? Ask the Revelator
What's John a-writin'? Ask the Revelator
A book of the seven seals

Now who art worthy, thousands cried holy
Bound for some, Son of our God
Daughter of Zion, Judah the Lion
He redeemeth us, Jesus bought us with his blood

Now tell me who's that a-writin'? John the Revelator
Who's that a-writin'? John the Revelator
Who's that a writin'? John the Revelator
A book of the seven seals

Well what's John a-writin'? Ask the Revelator
What's John a-writin'? Ask the Revelator
What's John a-writin'? Ask the Revelator
A book of the seven seals

John the Revelator, great advocator
Get's 'em on the battle of Zion
Lord, tellin' the story, risin' in glory
Cried, "Lord, don't you love some I"
[Repeat verses 4 & 5]

Well Moses to Moses, watchin' the flock
Saw the bush where they had to stop
God told Moses, "Pull off your shoes"
Out of the flock, a-well-a you I choose
[Repeat verses 4 & 5]


These are the lyrics for Son House's 1965 recording version.

[call] Well who's that a-writin'? [response] John the Revelator
Who's that a-writin'? John the Revelator
Who's that a-writin'? John the Revelator
A book of the seven seals

[call] Well who's that a-writin'? [response] John the Revelator
Who's that a-writin'? John the Revelator
Who's that a-writin'? John the Revelator
A book of the seven seals

God walked down in the cool of the day
Called Adam by his name
But he refused to answer
Because he's naked and ashamed
[call] Well who's that a-writin'? [response] John the Revelator
Who's that a-writin'? John the Revelator
Who's that a-writin'? John the Revelator
A book of the seven seals

Christ had twelve apostles
And three he led away
He said, "Walk with me while I walk,
'til I go yon and pray."
[call] Well who's that a-writin'? [response] John the Revelator
Who's that a-writin'? John the Revelator
Who's that a-writin'? John the Revelator
A book of the seven seals

[call] Well who's that a-writin'? [response] John the Revelator
Who's that a-writin'? John the Revelator
Who's that a-writin'? John the Revelator
A book of the seven seals

Christ came on Easter morning
Mary and Martha were down to see
He said, "Go tell my disciples
to meet me in Galilee."
[call] Well who's that a-writin'? [response] John the Revelator
Who's that a-writin'? John the Revelator
Who's that a-writin'? John the Revelator
A book of the seven seals
[call] Well who's that a-writin'? [response] John the Revelator
Who's that a-writin'? John the Revelator
Who's that a-writin'? John the Revelator
A book of the seven seals


Revelations Chapter 1, versus 1-3, King James Version

(1) The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified [it] by his angel unto his servant John: (2) Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw. (3) Blessed [is] he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time [is] at hand.

mp3s @ Amazon.com

John The Revelator (Album Version) by Depeche Mode

John The Revelator by Gov'T Mule

John The Revelator by Son House


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