The song "God's Gonna Cut You Down" is not originally written by John Grant but is a traditional folk/blues song that has been covered by various artists over the years. It is believed to have originated as an African American spiritual song and has roots in the biblical story of Samson and Delilah. The lyrics of the song convey a message of accountability and divine judgment. The repeated line, "You may run home for a long time, until your God Almighty's gonna cut you down," suggests that no matter how long someone tries to avoid facing the consequences of their actions, they will ultimately face divine retribution. The song also warns of the consequences of deceit, gossip, gambling, and mistreating others. The lines, "Go tell that long-tongued liar, go tell that midnight rider, tell the gambler, the rambler, the back-biter, tell them God Almighty's gonna cut them down," highlight the idea that those who engage in dishonesty, betrayal, and harmful behaviors will face judgment from a higher power. The lyrics further emphasize the idea that one's actions will be exposed eventually, even if they try to hide in darkness. The lines, "You may throw a little rock and hide your hand, working in the dark against your fellow man, but true as God has made the day and the night, what you do in the dark will be brought to the light," suggest that the truth will come to light and individuals will be held accountable for their deeds. Overall, "God's Gonna Cut You Down" serves as a reminder of the consequences of one's actions and the inevitability of facing judgment, whether in this life or the afterlife. It conveys a moral message and reflects on the idea of divine justice.
