God's Gonna Cut You Down

by Johnny Cash

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Lyrics

You can run on for a long time, (Eb5)run on for a (Bb5)long time, run on for a long time.

(CN.C.)Soon er or lat er got ta cut you down.

Soon er or lat er, got ta cut you (Bb5)down.

Go tell that long tongued li ar, go and tell that mid night (Bb5)rid er, tell the ram bl er, the gam bl er, the back bit er, (CN.C.)tell ’em that God’s gon na cut ’em down.

Tell ’em that God’s gon na cut ’em (Bb5)down.

Well, my good ness gra cious, let me tell you the news: my head’s been wet with the mid night dew.

I’ve been down on bend ed knee, talk in’ to the Man from Gal i lee.

He spoke to me in a voice so sweet, I thought I heard the shuf fle of the an gels’ feet.

He called my name and my heart stood still when He said, “John, go do My will.” Go

You can run on for a long time, (Eb5)run on for a (Bb5)long time, run on for a long time.

(CN.C.)Soon er or lat er got ta cut you down.

Soon er or lat er, got ta cut you (Bb5)down.

Well, you may throw your rock and hide your hand, work in’ in the dark a gainst your fel low man.

But as sure as God made black and white, what’s done in the dark will be brought to the light.

You can run on for a long time, (Eb5)run on for a (Bb5)long time, run on for a long time.

(CN.C.)Soon er or lat er got ta cut you down.

Soon er or lat er, got ta cut you (Bb5)down.

Go tell that long tongued li ar, go and tell that mid night (Bb5)rid er, tell the ram bl er, the gam bl er, the back bit er, (CN.C.)tell ’em that God’s gon na cut you down.

Tell ’em that God’s gon na cut you down.

Tell ’em that God’s gon na cut you (Bb5)down.

God's Gonna Cut You Down by Johnny Cash — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “God's Gonna Cut You Down by Johnny Cash in our color-coded kid songbook view — every note is colored by pitch (red C, orange D, yellow E, green F, blue G, purple A, pink B) and the lyrics sit directly under each note, so children can sing along while they play. The song is in the key of Eb at 80 BPM, a medium-difficulty arrangement — try slowing the tempo down using the BPM control.

Tips for parents & teachers

  • Start at 50% tempo using the BPM control. Speed up only when your child can play through without stopping.
  • Turn on the metronome from the top bar to build steady rhythm.
  • Use the segmented OFF / C / 1 button to toggle note labels on the staff and keys — kids learn note names faster with letters showing.
  • Tap a measure number on the timeline to jump to a specific section for repeat practice.

Frequently asked questions

Is "God's Gonna Cut You Down" good for a child learning piano?
Yes — this color-coded arrangement is designed for ages 4-12. Each note is colored by pitch so kids match colors to keys, no music reading required. Lyrics sit under every note for sing-along play.
What age can start with "God's Gonna Cut You Down"?
Children as young as 4 can follow the color-coded notes. By age 6-7 most kids can play through the song themselves with light guidance. Parent help is recommended for the first few sessions.
Do we need a piano teacher to use this?
No — the color-coded format is designed to be self-explanatory. Parents with no music background can supervise. Teachers can also use it as an introductory lesson tool.
Can we print the sheet music?
Yes — tap "Download Sheet Music" above for a free printable PDF with the same color-coded notes that appear on screen.
How many chords does "God's Gonna Cut You Down" use?
Just 3 chords: Bbpow, C, Ebpow. Few enough that a child can recognize them quickly.
What other Johnny Cash songs work for kids?
Try "IF YOU COULD READ MY MIND", "HELP ME", "WHEN HE REACHED DOWN HIS HAND FOR ME". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.