Introduction:
“Run On” is a traditional gospel song made famous by Elvis Presley, who released his version in 1967. The song is featured on his album How Great Thou Art, which marked a significant moment in Presley’s career as it showcased his deep-rooted love for gospel music, a genre that had a profound impact on him throughout his life. The song “Run On” is based on the traditional spiritual “God’s Gonna Cut You Down,” which has been performed by numerous artists over the years. Elvis’ rendition, however, is characterized by a distinctive blend of gospel and rockabilly, displaying his unique ability to merge religious music with popular contemporary sounds.
How Great Thou Art was released by RCA Victor in February 1967 and is considered one of Elvis’s most critically acclaimed gospel albums. The album not only demonstrated his commitment to gospel music but also won him his first Grammy Award in 1967 for Best Sacred Performance, marking a significant achievement in his musical career. “Run On” fits into the genre of gospel, yet Elvis’s interpretation brings a rock-and-roll edge to it, combining energetic rhythms with a spiritual message that resonates with his charismatic style.
Elvis’s version of “Run On” features a driving beat, rich vocal harmonies, and his signature deep, resonant voice. The lyrics warn sinners that they cannot escape divine judgment, a theme common in gospel music. This theme, combined with Elvis’s delivery, provided a powerful and emotional listening experience that connected with both religious and secular audiences. The song’s arrangement, driven by a rhythmic piano, percussion, and a steady bass line, exemplifies how Elvis could take a traditional gospel piece and give it a modern twist, appealing to a broader audience.
The album How Great Thou Art, including “Run On,” was a commercial success and reaffirmed Elvis Presley’s versatility as an artist. His exploration of gospel music allowed him to connect with his roots while also expanding his artistic repertoire. The song “Run On” stands out as a testament to his ability to infuse a traditional spiritual song with a unique contemporary flair, cementing his status as one of the most influential figures in popular music.
Video:
Lyrics:
Run On
Run along for a long timeRun on for a long timeLet me tell youGod almighty gonna cut you downGo tell that long tongued liarOh well wellGo tell that midnight riderOh well wellTell the gambler, the rambler, the back-biterTell them God almighty gonna cut ’em downStop God almighty let me tell you the newsMy head’s been wet with the midnight dewsI’ve been down on my bended kneesTalking to the man from GalileeMy God spoke and he spoke so sweetI thought I heard the shuffle of angel’s feetHe put one hand upon my headGreat God almighty, let me tell you what he saidGo tell that long tongued liarOh well wellGo tell that midnight riderOh well wellTell the gambler, the rambler, the back-biterTell them God almighty gonna cut ’em downWell, you may run on for a long timeRun along for a long timeRun on for a long timeLet me tell you God almighty gonna cut you downYou may throw your rock and hide your handWorking in the dark ‘gainst your fellow manAs sure as God made the day and the nightWhat you do in the dark will be brought to the lightYou may run and hide, slip and slideTrying to take the mote from your neighbor’s eyeAs sure as God made the rich and poorYou going to reap just what you sowYou may run on for a long timeRun along for a long timeRun on for a long timeLet me tell you God almighty’s gonna cut you downGo tell that long tongued liarOh well wellGo tell that midnight riderOh well wellTell the gambler, the rambler, the back-biterTell them God almighty gonna cut ’em downSome people go to church just to sit in the fireTrying to make a date with the neighbor’s wifeBrother let me tell you as sure as you’re bornYou better leave that woman aloneBecause one of these days, mark my wordYou think that brother is going to workAnd you’ll sneak up and knock on that doorThat’s all, brother, you’ll knock no moreRun on for a long timeRun along for a long timeRun on for a long timeLet me tell you God almighty’s gonna cut you downGo tell that long tongued liarGo tell that midnight riderTell the gambler, the rambler, the back-biterTell them God almighty gonna cut ’em dow