Meaning of John the Revelator by Curtis Stigers & The Forest Rangers

John the Revelator is a classic example of gospel blues, sustained in the best traditions of the genre. The author of the song is unknown, so it is considered to be folk. Researchers believe that the history of the famous work began in an African-American church environment in the late nineteenth – early twentieth century.

The composition, presented in the form of a call and response, was performed and recorded by dozens of musicians. The most famous versions will be discussed below, but first we will find out who it is about.

The meaning of John the Revelator

The gospel is dedicated to the Apostle John the Theologian, who wrote the Book of Revelation, or the Apocalypse. Most researchers consider him the author of the Gospel of John and three epistles from the Biblical canon, but some theologians believe that John the Evangelist was a different person.

In Revelation, John tells about his visions, in which the Lord showed him the future birth of the Antichrist, the second coming of Christ, the end of the world and the Day of Judgment.

Artists John the Revelator

The first song was recorded by Blind Willie Johnson. On April 20, 1930, he sang it as a duet with Willie B. Harris, who was considered his wife. As the song progresses, Johnson asks questions and Harris answers them.

His version of the gospel John the Revelator is full of biblical allusions and direct quotes, which is typical of American spirituals.

It appears in various collections, including the Anthology of American Folk Music, published in 1952.

Delta blues legend Eddie James “Son” House, Jr. performed gospel without musical accompaniment. In his version, the lyrics to John the Revelator differ significantly from those of Willie Johnson.

A version of John the Revelator performed by Curtis Stigers and The Forest Rangers was featured on the North Country (2009) and Songs of Anarchy: Music from Sons of Anarchy Seasons 1-4 (2011) soundtracks.

Steve Vai included a cover version of the song on his album The Story of Light (2012). He told:

There’s a track on there called Blind Willie Johnson’s John the Revelator, and it just fascinated me. As soon as I heard it, I said: “I have to add heavy guitars here and make everyone come from it.” The whole song was in my head as I listened to his performance.

Ultimate Classic Rock

Let’s hear how Steve Vai performed John the Revelator.

Many other bands and artists have also sung and recorded gospel music, including Larkin Poe, Tom Waits and Nick Cave.

Interesting Facts

Jack White of The White Stripes wrote the song Cannon, inspired by John the Revelator. In the text, he quotes gospel passages.
Depeche Mode composed their version of John the Revelator based on the traditional piece. We will talk about it in a separate article.

John the Revelator Blind Willie Johnson Lyrics

chorus:
Well who’s that writing? John the Revelator
Who’s that writing? John the Revelator
Who’s that writing? John the Revelator
A book of the seven seals
Tell me what’s John a writing? Ask The Revelator
What’s John a writing? Ask The Revelator
What’s John a writing? Ask The Revelator
A book of the seven seals

Now who art worthy, crucified and holy
Bound up for some, Son of our God
Daughter of Zion, Judea’s Lion
He redeemed us, Jesus bought us with
His blood

Chorus

Well Moses to Moses, Watching the flock
Saw the bush where they had to stop
God told Moses pull off your shoes
Out of the flock, well a you I choose

Chorus

John the Revelator Lyrics

Chorus x2:
Tell me who’s that writin’? John the Revelator
Tell me who’s that writin’? John the Revelator
Tell me who’s that writin’? John the Revelator
Wrote the book of the seven seals

You know God walked down in the cool of the day
Called Adam by his name
And he refused to answer
Because he’s naked and ashamed

Chorus

You know Christ had twelve apostles
And three he led away
Said “Watch with me one hour
Till I go yon and pray”

Chorus x2

Christ came on the Easter morning
Mary ‘n Martha
“Go tell my disciples
To meet me in Galilee”

Chorus x2

John the Revelator Lyrics

Chorus – 2 times:
Tell me who writes this? John the Theologian.
Tell me who writes this? John the Theologian.
Tell me who writes this? John the Evangelist
Wrote a book with seven seals.

You know, God came down one cool afternoon
Called Adam by name
And he didn’t want to answer.
Because he was ashamed of his nakedness.

Chorus

You know, Christ had twelve apostles,
And he took three
Saying: “Stay with me one hour,
While I pray”

Chorus – 2 times

Christ appeared on Easter morning,
Maria and Martha saw him.
“Go and tell my students
Meet me in Galilee.

Chorus – 2 times