(Well, you know, Johnny always wore black.

And he wore black 'cause he identified with the poor, and the downtrodden.)

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 and tell that long-tongued 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 a voice so sweet

I thought I heard the shuffle of the angels' feet

He called my name and my heart stood still

When He said, "John, go do my will"

Go and tell that long-tongued 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, hide your hand

Workin' in the dark against your fellow man

But as sure as God made black and white

What's done 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

But sooner or later, God'll cut you down

Sooner or later, God'll cut you down

Go and tell that long-tongued 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.