Marilyn Manson, God’s Gonna Cut You Down | Track Review 🎵

Marilyn Manson uniquely covers traditional classic “God’s Gonna Cut You Down,” popularized in 2006 posthumously by country icon, Johnny Cash.

“Go tell that long tongue liar / Go and tell that midnight rider / Tell the rambler, the gamble, the back biter / Tell ‘em that God’s gonna cut ‘em down.” “God’s Gonna Cut You Down” is a traditional song that has been covered by numerous musicians.  Famously, Johnny Cash recorded a version of the song that was released posthumously as the second track on his 2006 album, American V: A Hundred Highways.  The cut is quite chilling in Cash’s hands.  Now, imagine “God’s Gonna Cut You Down” in the hands of Marilyn Manson – wow!

Manson released his take on “God’s Gonna Cut You Down” on October 18, 2019.  There are similarities in the arrangement to the Johnny Cash version, maintaining the same chilling sensibility.  Even so, the Tyler Bates production sounds more contemporary, even with its retro sensibilities.  The guitar lines are particularly eerie, with some ‘in your face’ distortion playing a role later in the song as well.

Returning the focus on MM, most notably, “God’s Gonna Cut You Down” gives him/them a country song. This is worlds apart from what we’re accustomed to hearing characteristically.  That said, Manson remains true to himself – eerie AF.  At times he pulls back, while at others, he is more assertive.  Consistently, he sounds hellish and quite anti-religious to say the least!

Final Thoughts

All in all, Marilyn Manson delivers nothing short of a unique, twisted take on “God’s Gonna Cut You Down.”  Tyler Bates’ production shines, particular the contrasts to the Cash version, while Manson is, well, Manson! While the success of “God’s Gonna Cut You Down” isn’t an endorsement of MM turning to country/folk music, it is quite intriguing to say the least.

Marilyn Manson • God’s Gonna Cut You Down [Single] • Loma Vista • Release: 10.18.19

Photo Credit: Loma Vista