© Trad Arr B. Merritt, J. Merritt & P. Fulham
Janice: Vocals / percussion (cajon) / arrangement
Peter: Guitars / arrangement / mix assistance
Bud: Arrangement / Bass RealTrack / mix / mastering / cover art
John the Revelator is a traditional gospel/blues song typically heard in a call and response format. Its chorus refers to John of Patmos writing about the opening of the seven seals (which brings about the apocalypse)while the verses contain additional biblical references. The first written version is said to have appeared in 1880, although it's possible the song is considerably older. We've been unsuccessful in locating the specific reference to this date. Regardless the African-American origins are indisputable and are, unfortunately, not always referenced. Interpretations have been done by Blind Willie Johnson, Son House and more of late John Mellencamp, Depeche Mode, Gov't Mule and Larkin Poe.
There are a multitude of lyric variations. We chose these with a bit of tweaking.
Tell me who's that writin’? John the Revelator
Who's that writin'? John the Revelator
Who's that writin'? John the Revelator
He wrote the book of the seven seals
God walked down in the cool of the day
Called Adam by his name
And he refused to answer
Cause he was naked and ashamed
Tell me who's that writin’? John the Revelator
Who's that writin'? John the Revelator
Who's that writin'? John the Revelator
He wrote the book of the seven seals
You know he had twelve apostles
And three he led away
He said, Watch with me one hour,
'till I go yonder and pray
Tell me who's that writin’? John the Revelator
Who's that writin'? John the Revelator
Who's that writin'? John the Revelator
He wrote the book of the seven seals
Well who is worthy, thousands cried holy
Bound for some, Son of our God
Daughter of Zion, Judah the Lion
He redeems and binds us with his blood
Tell me who's that writin’? John the Revelator
Who's that writin'? John the Revelator
Who's that writin'? John the Revelator
He wrote the book of the seven seals
Janice: Vocals / percussion (cajon) / arrangement
Peter: Guitars / arrangement / mix assistance
Bud: Arrangement / Bass RealTrack / mix / mastering / cover art
John the Revelator is a traditional gospel/blues song typically heard in a call and response format. Its chorus refers to John of Patmos writing about the opening of the seven seals (which brings about the apocalypse)while the verses contain additional biblical references. The first written version is said to have appeared in 1880, although it's possible the song is considerably older. We've been unsuccessful in locating the specific reference to this date. Regardless the African-American origins are indisputable and are, unfortunately, not always referenced. Interpretations have been done by Blind Willie Johnson, Son House and more of late John Mellencamp, Depeche Mode, Gov't Mule and Larkin Poe.
There are a multitude of lyric variations. We chose these with a bit of tweaking.
Tell me who's that writin’? John the Revelator
Who's that writin'? John the Revelator
Who's that writin'? John the Revelator
He wrote the book of the seven seals
God walked down in the cool of the day
Called Adam by his name
And he refused to answer
Cause he was naked and ashamed
Tell me who's that writin’? John the Revelator
Who's that writin'? John the Revelator
Who's that writin'? John the Revelator
He wrote the book of the seven seals
You know he had twelve apostles
And three he led away
He said, Watch with me one hour,
'till I go yonder and pray
Tell me who's that writin’? John the Revelator
Who's that writin'? John the Revelator
Who's that writin'? John the Revelator
He wrote the book of the seven seals
Well who is worthy, thousands cried holy
Bound for some, Son of our God
Daughter of Zion, Judah the Lion
He redeems and binds us with his blood
Tell me who's that writin’? John the Revelator
Who's that writin'? John the Revelator
Who's that writin'? John the Revelator
He wrote the book of the seven seals