Let me set the mood, set the situation Imagine that your sittin' in a congregation Hey, he's talking 'bout judgment day If you listen real close, hear what he say You may run on for a long time Run on for a long time May run on for a long time But let me tell you God Almighty's gonna cut you down Gonna tell that long-term liar Gonna tell that midnight rider Tell the gambler, rambler, backbiter Tell him God Almighty gonna cut him down Great God Almighty let me tell you my need Yes, my head's been wet with the midnight deed I been down on my bended knee Talkin' to the man from Galilee My God spoke, spoke so sweet I thought I heard the shufflin' of angel feet He put one hand on my head Great God Almighty, let me tell you what he said You may run on for a long time Run on for a long time May run on for a long time Let me tell you God Almighty gonna cut you down You may throw the rock, hide your hand Workin' in the dark against your fellow man But sure as God made the day and night What you do in the dark will be brought to light
You may run and hide, slip and slide Try to take the mote from your neighbors eye But sure as the lord may be rich and poor What you reap, my brother, is what you sew You may run on for a long time Run on for a long time Run on for a long time But let me tell you God Almighty gonna cut you down Some people go to church just to signify They try to make a date with their neighbors wife But let me tell you brother, just as sure as your born Better leave that woman, better leave her alone One of these days, just mark my words You think that your brother's gone off to work You'll walk up and knock on the door That's all brother, there ain't no more (Swing low, sweet chariot) You may run on for a long time Run on for a long time May run on for a long time But let me tell you God Almighty gonna cut you down Gonna tell that midnight rider Gonna tell that long-term liar Tell the rambler, gambler, backbiter Tell him God Almighty gonna cut him down Amen