IF I HAD MY WAY I’D TEAR THE BUILDING DOWN (Blind Willie Johnson)
“Samson and Delilah” is a traditional song based on the Biblical tale of Samson and his betrayal by Delilah. Several versions have been recorded under various titles, including “If I Had My Way I’d Tear the Building Down”/“Oh Lord If I Had My Way” by Blind Willie Johnson in 1927. (More from Wikipedia)
On the first LP by Peter, Paul and Mary, Peter, Paul and Mary (1962), “If I Had My Way” shows a songwriter of Rev. Gary Davis (earlier versions of this traditional song exist under the probable original name “Samson and Delilah”, “If I Had My Way I’d Tear the Building Down” and “Oh Lord If I Had My Way”, the latter by Blind Willie Johnson from 1927).
(February 2015)
