[3] American gospel-blues musician Blind Willie Johnson recorded "John the Revelator" in 1930.

The song's title refers to John of Patmos in his role as the author of the Book of Revelation.

Accompanying Johnson on vocal and guitar is Willie B. Harris (sometimes identified as his first wife), who sings the response parts of the song.

Their vocals add a "sense of dread and foreboding" to the song, along with the chorus line "Who's that a writin', John the Revelator" "repeated like a mantra".

Well who art worthy, thousands cried holy[6] Bound for some, Son of our God[7] Daughter of Zion, Judah the Lion[8] He redeemeth, and bought us with his blood[9]

[18] Delta blues musician Son House recorded several a cappella versions of "John the Revelator" in the 1960s.

His lyrics for a 1965 recording explicitly reference three theologically important events: the Fall of Man, the Passion of Christ, and the Resurrection.

You know God walked down in the cool of the day[19] Called Adam by his name[20] And he refused to answer Because he's naked and ashamed[21]

[Repeat verses 1 & 2] This version was included on the 1965 album The Legendary Son House: Father of the Folk Blues (Columbia).