God Don't Never Change

"God Don't Never Change" is a gospel blues song recorded by Blind Willie Johnson in 1929, and released on Columbia 14490-D.[1] The song is sometimes known as "God Don't Ever Change".

"God Don't Never Change"
Single by Blind Willie Johnson
RecordedDecember 10, 1929
GenreGospel blues
Length2:59
LabelColumbia
Songwriter(s)Blind Willie Johnson

The recording history suggests that the song was largely overlooked for many years, until it was noticed in the 1990s.

Lyrics

The gist of the chorus, and the subject-matter of the song, is:[2]

He's God, God don't never change,
He's God, always will be God.

The verses include allusions to:

  • Psalm 114:4 "The mountains skipped like rams, and the little hills like lambs".
  • Amen Corner, that part of a church where the most vocally devout worshipers congregate, as in the poem "Trouble in the Amen Corner".
  • The influenza pandemic of 191820. The topicality of that event suggests that Johnson wrote at least that verse. Unless and until an earlier version can be found, he can be credited with both the tune and the words.

Recordings

Recordings by other artists include:

References

  1. "Blind Willie Johnson discography". Retrieved February 17, 2015.
  2. Blakey, D. N. (August 8, 2007). Revelation: Blind Willie Johnson, the Biography. Raleigh, NC: Lulu Enterprises. Chapter 19. ISBN 978-1430328995.
  3. Blind Willie Johnson: God Don't Never Change at AllMusic. Retrieved February 19, 2015.
  4. Kaiser* / Mansfield*  Trimmed & Burning at Discogs (list of releases)
  5. Under Their Influence, Vol. 1 at AllMusic. Retrieved February 17, 2015.
  6. Hot N Spicey at AllMusic. Retrieved February 17, 2015.
  7. Fresh Catfish at AllMusic. Retrieved February 17, 2015.
  8. Face to Face at AllMusic. Retrieved February 17, 2015.
  9. Do What, Now? at AllMusic. Retrieved February 17, 2015.
  10. Sub at AllMusic. Retrieved February 17, 2015.
  11. The Phoenix at AllMusic. Retrieved February 17, 2015.
  12. Letter to the Editor at AllMusic. Retrieved February 17, 2015.
  13. Ashley Cleveland: God Don't Never Change at AllMusic. Retrieved February 17, 2015.
  14. 10/09/09 New Orleans, LA Tipitinas at AllMusic. Retrieved February 17, 2015.
  15. The Midnight Ramble Sessions, Vol. 3 at AllMusic. Retrieved February 17, 2015.
  16. Minsker, Evan (December 14, 2015). "Tom Waits, Sinéad O'Connor, Lucinda Williams Appear on Blind Willie Johnson Tribute Album". Pitchfork Media. Retrieved May 3, 2016.


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