John the Revelator

There’s so many truly American folk songs that I enjoy, because of the sometimes magical sense they can bring into the heart.  Although this one is arguably more late soul or early gospel than folk it still brings chills to me whenever I listen to Son House sing it…  Here’s my little version of it…

You can listen to Son House singing it by clicking here.

[Chorus]
Who’s that writin’? John the Revelator
Tell me who’s that writin’? John the Revelator
Tell me 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
Well who’s that writin’? John the Revelator
Wrote the book of the seven seals

You know God walked down in the cool of the day
Called Adam by his name
And he refused to answer
Because he’s naked and ashamed

[Chorus]

You know Christ had twelve apostles
And three he led away
He said, Watch with me one hour
’till I go yonder and pray.

[Chorus]

Christ came on Easter morning
Mary and Martha came down to see
He said, Go tell my disciples
To meet me in Galilee.