Introduction:
“I, John” is a powerful gospel song recorded by Elvis Presley in 1971, reflecting the deep spiritual connection he had throughout his life. It was included on his album He Touched Me (1972), which marked a period when Presley embraced more overt expressions of his Christian faith, blending his rock and roll roots with gospel music. The song is a portrayal of the Apostle John, who witnesses a prophetic vision of the second coming of Christ. In the song, John recounts his encounter with a divine vision, furthering his commitment to spreading the gospel message.
The song was written by a collaboration of gospel musicians and was performed in a style that was somewhat typical of Presley’s gospel recordings but with a distinct infusion of his signature soulful sound. The track stands as one of the lesser-known but impactful pieces from this era of his career, showing Elvis’ ability to merge his faith with his musical artistry.
While He Touched Me showcased Presley’s devotion, “I, John” also highlights his talent for transforming traditional gospel songs into something uniquely his own, maintaining an energy that made his live performances so dynamic. It’s a song that resonates with themes of redemption and divine revelation, showing Presley’s own spiritual journey during a turbulent phase of his personal life.
Video:
Lyrics:
“I, John”
A way up in the middle of the air
I, John he saw might numbers
Way in the middle of the air
Got to mighty move, John, you saw mighty numbers
Way up in the middle of the airWell there were three gates in the east
And there were three gates in the west
Three gates in the north
Three gates in the south
And that makes twelve gates to the city all square wide
John, you saw might numbers way up in the middle of the air
Well John declared that he saw a man
He held twelve bright stars in his right hand
Well his eyes flashed fire like the burning sun
Old John got scared and he wanted to run
Well he wanted to run but his feet wouldn’t go
Cause he felt the gospel cutting like a two-edged sword
And he heard a voice that said John, you take a look
And read what you see and then you write it in a book
And he saw twelve angels in the east
And there were twelve angels in the west
Twelve angels in the north,
Twelve angels in the south
That’s a total of forty-eight angels to the city, four squared wide