What are the meaning of the lyrics to John the Revelator by Depeche Mode?

John the Revelator was rewritten by Depeche Mode in June 2006. It was orginally recorded by a blind guitar evangelist, Blind Willie Johnson (1900-1949) from Beaumont, Texas. Several other singing groups re-recorded this song or rewritten it such as: The Dixie Hummingbirds, Andy Cohen, Bill Ellis, and Eleanor Ellis, Harry Belafonte; Stanley Wilson, The Hart Brothers; Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver, & Brian Ritchie; The Spiders; as This is Serious/John the Revelator: The Silencers.

'John of Patmos is the name given to the author of the Book of Revelation (or Book of the Apocalypse) in the New Testament. According to the text of Revelation, the author, who gives his name as "John," is living in exile on the Greek island of Patmos. In Revelation, he writes to the seven Christian churches in Asia to relate two apocalyptic visions he has had. John of Patmos is often referred to as John the Divine, or John the Theologian, and the message he received is considered divine Revelation by most Christians.'

Lyrics mean John the Revelator's exile and him being tried and crucified for his belief in Christ.

First answer by Prokopmisty. Last edit by Prokopmisty. Contributor trust: 24 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 17 [recommend question]