Satan Your Kingdom Must Come Down

Album: Band of Joy (2010)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This Great Depression-era blues/country gospel song was first recorded in 1931 by South Carolina evangelist Blind Joe Taggart. It was later revived in modern times on alternative country group Uncle Tupelo's acoustic record March 16-20 1992. Willie Nelson's take (included on his 2010 album Country Music) has guitar and vocal harmonies by Band of Joy guitarist and co-producer Buddy Miller.
  • Robert Plant's version was chosen as the theme music for the second series of the Kelsey Grammer-starring political drama, Boss. The song was selected following a discussion between the two friends. Explained Grammer: "We had drinks one night in New York and I had just seen his concert with the Band of Joy. He said, 'You know, Satan, Your Kingdom Must Come Down is a great song.' I said, 'Yeah, it is a great song.' I fought for it – I think it's remarkable as a piece to open the show. It leaves a mystery open."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

90s Music Quiz 1

90s Music Quiz 1Music Quiz

First question: Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson appeared in videos for what artist?

Loreena McKennitt

Loreena McKennittSongwriter Interviews

The Celtic music maker Loreena McKennitt on finding musical inspiration, the "New Age" label, and working on the movie Tinker Bell.

Elton John

Elton JohnFact or Fiction

Does he have beef with Gaga? Is he Sean Lennon's godfather? See if you can tell fact from fiction in the Elton John edition.

Michael Bolton

Michael BoltonSongwriter Interviews

Into the vaults for this talk with Bolton from the '80s when he was a focused on writing songs for other artists.

The Truth Is Out There: A History of Alien Songs

The Truth Is Out There: A History of Alien SongsSong Writing

The trail runs from flying saucer songs in the '50s, through Bowie, blink-182 and Katy Perry.

Dave Alvin - "4th Of July"

Dave Alvin - "4th Of July"They're Playing My Song

When Dave recorded the first version of the song with his group the Blasters, producer Nick Lowe gave him some life-changing advice.