I, John
Elvis Presley · I Believe: The Gospel Masters [2009]
A way up in the middle of the air
I, John he saw might numbers
Way in the middle of the air
Got to mighty move, John, you saw mighty numbers
Way up in the middle of the air
Well there were three gates in the east
And there were three gates in the west
Three gates in the north
Three gates in the south
And that makes twelve gates to the city all square wide
John, you saw might numbers way up in the middle of the air
Well John declared that he saw a man
He held twelve bright stars in his right hand
Well his eyes flashed fire like the burning sun
Old John got scared and he wanted to run
Well he wanted to run but his feet wouldn't go
Cause he felt the gospel cutting like a two-edged sword
And he heard a voice that said John, you take a look
And read what you see and then you write it in a book
And he saw twelve angels in the east
And there were twelve angels in the west
Twelve angels in the north,
Twelve angels in the south
That's a total of forty-eight angels to the city, four squared wide
I, John
Recorded during a prolific period of gospel exploration, "I, John" stands as a testament to Elvis Presley's enduring connection to the genre. The track captures the King's signature vocal intensity, blending spiritual fervor with the polished production values that defined his later career. Featured on the 2009 compilation *I Believe: The Gospel Masters*, the song highlights Presley's ability to convey deep emotion through a straightforward, powerful delivery. While often overshadowed by his rock and roll hits, this recording underscores his commitment to gospel music throughout his discography. It remains a cherished song for fans seeking the soulful depth that characterized his performances in the 1960s and beyond, showcasing a timeless artistry that continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.