Black Rebel Motorcycle Club God's Gonna Cut You Down
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club (BRMC) is a rock band that was formed in San Francisco in 1998. The band consists of Peter Hayes, Robert Levon Been, and Leah Shapiro. They have released eight studio albums so far, and their music is often described as a mix of garage rock, blues, and punk. One of their most popular songs is "God's Gonna Cut You Down," a cover of a traditional folk song that has been recorded by many different artists over the years.
The Story Behind the Song
The original version of "God's Gonna Cut You Down" is a traditional African-American spiritual that dates back to the early 19th century. The song has been covered by many artists over the years, including Johnny Cash, who recorded it in 2003 for his album "American V: A Hundred Highways." Cash's version became very popular after his death in 2003, and it was used in several films, TV shows, and commercials.
BRMC recorded their version of the song in 2007 for the soundtrack of the video game "Need for Speed: ProStreet." The band's version features a heavier and more distorted sound than the original, with Hayes' vocals adding a sense of urgency and intensity to the lyrics.
The Lyrics
The lyrics of "God's Gonna Cut You Down" are a warning to sinners that they will eventually be punished for their misdeeds. The song's chorus repeats the phrase "God's gonna cut you down" several times, emphasizing the inevitability of divine retribution. Hayes' vocals give the lyrics a sense of urgency and desperation, adding to the song's powerful message.
The song's verses describe various sinners and their misdeeds, including the "long-tongued liar" and the "gamblin' man." The lyrics suggest that these sinners will eventually face judgment and receive their just punishment.
The Legacy of "God's Gonna Cut You Down"
Since its release, "God's Gonna Cut You Down" has become a beloved classic, with many artists covering the song and using it in various forms of media. Johnny Cash's version of the song was particularly popular, and it has been featured in several films and TV shows, including "The Walking Dead" and "Westworld."
BRMC's version of the song has also been used in several films and TV shows, including "Sons of Anarchy" and "The Blacklist." The band's powerful and intense version of the song has made it a popular choice for action and suspense scenes in movies and TV shows.
Conclusion
"God's Gonna Cut You Down" is a timeless classic that has been covered by many different artists over the years. BRMC's version of the song is a powerful and intense take on the traditional folk song, with Hayes' vocals adding a sense of urgency and desperation to the lyrics. The song's message of divine retribution for sinners has made it a popular choice for use in films and TV shows, cementing its place as one of the most beloved and enduring songs of all time.
