I Know His Blood Can Make Me Whole

Blind Willie Johnson

About I Know His Blood Can Make Me Whole

"(I Know) His Blood Can (or, Will) Make Me Whole" is a traditional gospel blues song recorded by Blind Willie Johnson in 1927, and released on his first single, with the flip side "Jesus Make Up My Dying Bed". The song is sometimes called "Jesus' Blood Can Make Me Whole", "(I Know) His Blood Has Made Me Whole", etc. Barbecue Bob recorded the former title earlier in 1927. As is common with traditional songs, the lyrics differ among performers. One common theme is the evil of gambling, which the singer has now forgone. The line "If I touched the hem of His garment, His blood has made me whole" alludes to the story of the woman whose issue of blood was healed by touching Jesus' garment, in the Gospel of Luke at 8:43–48. She had been ritually unclean for so long as it persisted, according to the Book of Leviticus at 15:25–27. 


Year:
1998
3:04
93 
#2

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I know his blood can
Know his blood can make me whole
I just touched hem of his garment
Blood of Jesus, blood of Jesus
I just touched hem of his garment

Let his blood has, let his blood has
I just touched hem of his garment
I was a gambler just like you 
I was a gambler
I just touched hem of his garment

Oh his blood have, let his blood have
I just touched hem of his garment
I was sick and I couldn't get well 
I was sick and I couldn't get well
I just touched hem of his garment

Let his blood have, let his blood have
I just touched hem of his garment
Jesus blood can Jesus blood can
I just touched hem of his garment

Oh his blood have, let his blood have
I just touched hem of his garment
I was sick and I couldn't get well
I was sick and I couldn't get well
I just touched hem of his garment

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Blind Willie Johnson

"Blind" Willie Johnson (January 22, 1897 – September 18, 1945) was an American singer and guitarist, whose music straddled the border between blues and spirituals. more »

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Written by: WILLIE JOHNSON

Lyrics © ALPHA MUSIC, INC.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Genre Definition
"I Know His Blood Can Make Me Whole" is labeled as a gospel blues song, blending spiritual themes with the emotional depth and rhythmic complexity of traditional blues.
Historical Timeline
The song was recorded by its creator, Blind Willie Johnson, in Texas, USA. Johnson first recorded the track on December 5th, 1927.
Accompanying Instruments
The song is primarily accompanied by Johnson’s slide guitar, providing a haunting and evocative background to his powerful vocals. Johnson is regarded as one of the masters of the slide guitar, and his technique is prominently displayed in this song.
Song Interpretation
The song, like many of Johnson's works, presents a deep spiritual belief, with lyrics speaking to the redemptive power of Christ's blood, suggesting that it can provide salvation and healing.
Influence
Johnson's work, including ‘I Know His Blood Can Make Me Whole,’ influenced many artists in the gospel, blues, and rock genres. Legends like Led Zeppelin, Bob Dylan, and Eric Clapton have cited Johnson as an important influence.
Record Label
Johnson's song was originally released by the Columbia Records, a significant player in the American recording industry.
Responses to the Song
Despite Johnson's blindness and the severe hardships he faced, his music communicated a profound spiritual faith and hope. The audience received songs like "I Know His Blood Can Make Me Whole" with overwhelming positivity, which helped shape Johnson's reputation as a seminal figure in gospel blues.
Posthumous Recognition
Long after his death, Johnson's intense, soul-searing songs continue to resonate, and "I Know His Blood Can Make Me Whole" is frequently cited as a standard of the gospel blues genre.
Heritage and Legacy
As a testament to its influence, "I Know His Blood Can Make Me Whole", along with other songs by Johnson, are preserved in the U.S. National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress which recognizes songs that are "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant".
Cover Versions
The tune has been covered by several artists over the years, including fellow Blues Hall of Fame inductee, John Hammond Jr., who cited Johnson as a primary influence on his own music career.

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