John the Revelator

Album: The Legendary Son House: Father Of Folk Blues (1965)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • 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 cappella 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 were 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."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Intentionally Atrocious

Intentionally AtrociousSong Writing

A selection of songs made to be terrible - some clearly achieved that goal.

00s Music Quiz 1

00s Music Quiz 1Music Quiz

Do you know the girl singer on Eminem's "Stan"? If so, this quiz is for you.

The Untold Story Of Fiona Apple's Extraordinary Machine

The Untold Story Of Fiona Apple's Extraordinary MachineSong Writing

Fiona's highly-anticipated third album almost didn't make it. Here's how it finally came together after two years and a leak.

Graham Bonnet (Alcatrazz, Rainbow)

Graham Bonnet (Alcatrazz, Rainbow)Songwriter Interviews

Yngwie Malmsteen and Steve Vai were two of Graham's co-writers for some '80s rock classics.

Grunge Bands Quiz

Grunge Bands QuizMusic Quiz

If the name Citizen Dick means anything to you, there's a chance you'll get some of these right.

John Waite

John WaiteSongwriter Interviews

"Missing You" was a spontaneous outpouring of emotion triggered by a phone call. John tells that story and explains what MTV meant to his career.