I'm Gonna Run to the City of Refuge

Updated on Oct 28, 2023

Edit

Comment

A-side "Jesus Is Coming Soon" Genre Gospel blues Label Columbia 14391-D		Format 10" 78rpm single Length 3:21
Recorded December 5, 1928; Dallas, TX

"(I'm Gonna Run to) The City of Refuge" is a gospel blues song recorded in 1928 by Blind Willie Johnson, with backing vocals by Willie B. Harris, who may have been his first wife. It is an adaptation of the traditional song "You Better Run".

The earliest known recording of the song (titled "You Better Run") was by Wiseman Sextette, c.1923.

The title relates to the Biblical concept of Cities of Refuge, where people accused of manslaughter could escape vengeance. The chorus consists of the title, repeated several times, often in call-and-response format. The verses differ widely from one artist to another. Johnson's version refers to Saint Peter preaching; to the Holy Ghost; to Book of Revelation 12:13 ("And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child"); and to the Last Supper.

Recordings

The following recordings, divided by song title, are by people with Wikipedia articles:

I'm Gonna Run to the City of Refuge

1928 – Blind Willie Johnson

2004 – 7 & 7 Is, on the album Fun with Sound

City of Refuge

1988 – Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, on the album Tender Prey

2008 – The 77s, on the album Holy Ghost Building (a different version from that released in 2004 by 7 & 7 Is)

You Better Run

1934 – Louis Washington, unreleased

1965 – C. J. Johnson, on the album of the same name. Released as a 7" single in 1966

1972 – Elvis Presley with J. D. Sumner and The Stamps, on the album Amazing Grace: His Greatest Sacred Performances

References

I'm Gonna Run to the City of Refuge Wikipedia

(Text) CC BY-SA