Lyrics:
John the Revelator [Live version (a)]:
This is called "John the Revelator."
Tell 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
Well God walked down in the cool of the day and called Adam by his name
He refused to answer, 'cause he was naked and ashamed
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
Now Christ had 12 apostles, and he led twelve away
Said "Watch with me one hour, until I go yonder and pray"
And 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
Christ came down Easter mornin', Mary and Margaret came to see
Said, "Go tell my disciples to meet me down in Galilee"
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
This is called "John the Revelator."
Tell 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
Well God walked down in the cool of the day and called Adam by his name
He refused to answer, 'cause he was naked and ashamed
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
Now Christ had 12 apostles, and he led twelve away
Said "Watch with me one hour, until I go yonder and pray"
And 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
Christ came down Easter mornin', Mary and Margaret came to see
Said, "Go tell my disciples to meet me down in Galilee"
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
The Song:
"John The Revelator" is a traditional blue song, that more or less originated with Blind Willie Johnson in 1930. A lot of people have covered it, and Beck admits before playing it on KCRW in 1995 that he learned it from another classic bluesman, Son House.
"John The Revelator" is a traditional blue song, that more or less originated with Blind Willie Johnson in 1930. A lot of people have covered it, and Beck admits before playing it on KCRW in 1995 that he learned it from another classic bluesman, Son House.
Live:
Played live 4 times:
Earliest known live version: December 10, 1994
Latest known live version: April 26, 2001
The first known version Beck did was in December 1994 at a tribute concert. He sang a little bit of the song, merging it with a similar acapella blues "Grinnin' In Your Face."
A month or so later, on KCRW in 1995, Beck pretty much does "One Foot in the Grave" with "John The Revelator"'s lyrics. It's not quite as rhythmic and enthusiastic as concert versions, but that could be because he's in a little radio studio (without a revved-up audience). Afterwards he admits, "It's a little bit early to do that!"
Six year laters, appearing at the Harry Smith Tribute Concert in spring 2001, Beck ended up on stage a number of times. One of these was during Marianne Faithfull's performance of "John the Revelator." Beck sang back-up for her, along with Todd Rundgren and Steve Earle. Beck also sang some songs on his own. This was about a month or so after Beck worked with Faithfull on a few songs for her next record (see "Sex With Strangers").
Played live 4 times:
Earliest known live version: December 10, 1994
Latest known live version: April 26, 2001
The first known version Beck did was in December 1994 at a tribute concert. He sang a little bit of the song, merging it with a similar acapella blues "Grinnin' In Your Face."
A month or so later, on KCRW in 1995, Beck pretty much does "One Foot in the Grave" with "John The Revelator"'s lyrics. It's not quite as rhythmic and enthusiastic as concert versions, but that could be because he's in a little radio studio (without a revved-up audience). Afterwards he admits, "It's a little bit early to do that!"
Six year laters, appearing at the Harry Smith Tribute Concert in spring 2001, Beck ended up on stage a number of times. One of these was during Marianne Faithfull's performance of "John the Revelator." Beck sang back-up for her, along with Todd Rundgren and Steve Earle. Beck also sang some songs on his own. This was about a month or so after Beck worked with Faithfull on a few songs for her next record (see "Sex With Strangers").