The Man Comes Around

The Meaning Behind Johnny Cash's Apocalyptic Masterpiece. Johnny Cash's haunting song "The Man Comes Around" is one of his most profound and spiritually charged compositions. Released in 2002 on his album American IV: The Man Comes Around, the song explores themes of divine judgment, the end times, and redemption through rich biblical imagery.

The Vision That Inspired the Song

Cash was inspired by a vivid dream about Queen Elizabeth II, where she called him "a thorn tree in a whirlwind" – a phrase taken directly from the Book of Job. This encounter led Cash to create what many consider his most theological work, spending years perfecting lyrics filled with Scripture.

Decoding the Lyrics: Judgment Day Imagery

The song's central figure is Christ returning as judge (the "Man" in the title). Key lyrical references include:

"There's a man going 'round taking names... And he decides who to free and who to blame"

This echoes Revelation 20:12-15's description of the Book of Life. The song's famous opening lines quote Revelation 6:1-8 verbatim, introducing the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.

Essential Biblical Connections

Cash weaves together multiple end-times prophecies:

• Matthew 25:31-46 – The separation of sheep (righteous) and goats (wicked)
• Revelation 22:12 – Christ's promise of coming with rewards
• Daniel 12:2 – The resurrection of the dead for judgment

Why This Song Still Haunts Listeners

Recorded when Cash was confronting his own mortality, the song's sparse arrangement – just his weathered voice and acoustic guitar – creates an unmatched sense of urgency. It serves as both warning and invitation, reminding us that "the day is coming soon."

¿De qué trata "The Man Comes Around" de Johnny Cash? – Significado y Referencias Bíblicas

El significado detrás de la obra maestra apocalíptica de Cash

"The Man Comes Around" es una de las canciones más profundas y espirituales de Johnny Cash. Lanzada en 2002 en su álbum American IV: The Man Comes Around, la canción explora temas del juicio divino, el fin de los tiempos y la redención, usando poderosas imágenes bíblicas.

La visión que inspiró la canción

Cash se inspiró en un sueño vívido sobre la Reina Isabel II, donde ella lo llamó "un árbol de espinas en un torbellino" – una frase tomada del Libro de Job. Esta experiencia lo llevó a crear lo que muchos consideran su obra más teológica, pasando años perfeccionando letras llenas de Escritura.

Analizando la letra: Imágenes del Juicio Final

"Hay un hombre que pasa y toma nombres... Y decide a quién liberar y a quién culpar"

Esto refleja Apocalipsis 20:12-15 (el Libro de la Vida). El inicio de la canción cita textualmente Apocalipsis 6:1-8, presentando a los Cuatro Jinetes del Apocalipsis.

Conexiones bíblicas clave

• Mateo 25:31-46 – La separación de ovejas (justos) y cabras (malvados)
• Apocalipsis 22:12 – La promesa de Cristo de venir con recompensas
• Daniel 12:2 – La resurrección de los muertos para el juicio

Por qué esta canción sigue impactando

Grabada cuando Cash enfrentaba su propia mortalidad, el arreglo minimalista – solo su voz envejecida y guitarra acústica – crea una urgencia única. Es a la vez advertencia e invitación, recordándonos que "el día se acerca."

Lyrics:

"And I heard, as it were, the noise of thunder

One of the four beasts saying,

'Come and see.' and I saw, and behold a white horse"

There's a man goin' 'round takin' names

And he decides who to free and who to blame

Everybody won't be treated all the same

There'll be a golden ladder reachin' down

When the man comes around

The hairs on your arm will stand up

At the terror in each sip and in each sup

Will you partake of that last offered cup

Or disappear into the potter's ground?

When the man comes around

Hear the trumpets hear the pipers

One hundred million angels singin'

Multitudes are marchin' to the big kettledrum

Voices callin', voices cryin'

Some are born and some are dyin'

It's alpha and omega's kingdom come

And the whirlwind is in the thorn tree

The virgins are all trimming their wicks

The whirlwind is in the thorn tree

It's hard for thee to kick against the pricks

Till armageddon no shalam, no shalom

Then the father hen will call his chickens home

The wise man will bow down before the throne

And at his feet they'll cast their golden crowns

When the man comes around

Whoever is unjust let him be unjust still

Whoever is righteous let him be righteous still

Whoever is filthy let him be filthy still

Listen to the words long written down

When the man comes around

Hear the trumpets hear the pipers

One hundred million angels singin'

Multitudes are marchin' to the big kettledrum

Voices callin', voices cryin'

Some are born and some are dyin'

It's alpha and omega's kingdom come

And the whirlwind is in the thorn tree

The virgins are all trimming their wicks

The whirlwind is in the thorn trees

It's hard for thee to kick against the prick

In measured hundredweight and penny pound

When the man comes around

"And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts

And I looked, and behold a pale horse

And his name that sat on him was death, and hell followed with him"