Dating back to the 1940s, the classic song “God’s Gonna Cut You Down” was covered by genres like country, folk, metal, and even alternative rock. Elvis Presley himself recorded a version of the hit. But in 2003, country legend Johnny Cash brought the song to life when he placed it on the album American V: A Hundred Highways. Putting his signature on the timeless song, the music video gained over 148 million views. Although passing away in 2003, Lainey Wilson looked to honor the legacy of Cash when she performed “God’s Gonna Cut You Down” at the Grand Ole Opry. And to make it better, she used his own guitar.
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For Wilson, the last few years seemed like a blur as she completely took over country music. Winning awards, releasing hit songs, dominating the airwaves – it didn’t matter what the singer did or wrote, it was going to be a hit. But when taking the stage at the Opry, the singer decided not to shine a light on herself but the ones that came before her.
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Lainey Wilson Just The Latest Star To Honor Johnny Cash
Standing on the sacred stage, Wilson showcased her mesmerizing talent when covering the song. But what made the performance stand out was the fact she sang the song using Cash’s guitar. Celebrating the Man in Black, the moment was yet another milestone in Wilson’s climb to stardom.
As for Cash, the country legend never got the see the music video for “God’s Gonna Cut You Down.” Passing away in 2003, the music video didn’t release until 2006 thanks to director Tony Kaye. Showing just how much of an impact Cash had on the entertainment industry, the video included appearances by numerous stars like Johnny Depp, Whoopi Goldberg, Woody Harrelson, Sheryl Crow, Justin Timberlake, Iggy Pop Adam Levine, and more.
Again, climbing well over 100 million views, fans continued to return to the music video to celebrate the signature Cash left on music:
“Only someone who’s been in the darkness can create something as chilling and impactful as this. Cash was a legend.”
“Says a lot that all these legends participated in a simple music video for this man. He was a legend across genres, and dearly missed but never forgotten. “
“This man crossed all lines of music, and still remains to be be timeless. R.I.P Mr. Cash “
“One of the most powerful songs ever made. Johnny cash is a legend. The emotion on this song is unmatched ”
(Photo by Jason Moore/ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock)
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