Almanac Music: Angels, Devils and Flawed Humanity – Part 2: Ten Songs About Devils
[Source: Wikimedia Commons.]
Almanac Music: Angels, Devils and Flawed Humanity – Part 2: Ten Songs About Devils
In my previous Footy Almanac article, the focus was upon songs about angels, whether they were blue angels, angels to love, guardian angels, token angels, or some other kind – now it’s the devils’ turn for the musical spotlight. Almanac readers are warmly encouraged to add to the list below.
‘(You’re the) Devil in Disguise’, written by Bill Giant, Bernie Baum and Florence Kaye, performed by Elvis Presley (1963)
Fundamentally, this pop/rock song is about a woman who looks ‘like an angel’. However, her looks are deceiving – she’s actually ‘the devil in disguise’. The singer has got wise to this, even if he has had to learn the hard way, through the woman’s cheating and scheming. The wonderful male singing quartet, the Jordanaires, provide backing vocals for Elvis, as was the case in so many of his earlier recordings.
‘Devil in Her Heart’, written by Richard Drapkin, performed by the Beatles (1963)
This early Beatles cover, from their second studio album, With the Beatles, is an appealing one, with George Harrison’s pleasant voice on lead vocals, backed by Lennon and McCartney’s harmonies. I’ve often thought that, while Harrison’ voice isn’t as strong as Lennon or McCartney’s, it is still a good, tuneful one, and well-suited to a wide range of material, from rockabilly to Indian-influenced stuff. Returning to ‘Devil in Her Heart’ in particular, George’s lead guitar work is tasteful, sweet-tempered, and, musically, ties the overall song together very well. Ultimately, the lyrics of the song convey the idea that the focus of the male singer’s love is not really devilish, but actually that she’s an angel sent to him. Interestingly, ‘Devil in Her Heart’ was first released by a short-lived American girl group called the Donays, with the title ‘Devil in His Heart’.
‘Sympathy for the Devil’, written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, performed by the Rolling Stones (1968)
The Rolling Stones’ ‘Sympathy for the Devil’ is the ‘devil song’ par excellence – showing an entrepreneurial, showbizzy Satan who, it seems, is happy to claim a large share of the responsibility for many of the major negative events in history, and the kind of celebrity who would turn up at the opening of an envelope, all the better if the envelope was a very large one. Mick Jagger says the song is about the darker side of humanity, as opposed to celebrating the devil, while Keith Richards says “‘Sympathy’ is quite an uplifting song. It’s just a matter of looking the devil in the face. He’s there all the time …” . (Trust Keef to say something like that!) Musically, the tune shows what can be done with nothing much more than a few chords, which, after all, is the essence of ‘rock ‘n’ roll. That said, the samba rhythm certainly helps considerably, too.
‘Devil Gate Drive’, written by Mike Chapman and Nicky Chinn, performed by Suzi Quatro (1974)
There’s is nothing complicated or even particularly dark about ‘Devil Gate Drive’ a heavy-ish piece of 70s glam rock by Suzi Quatro and her band. In general terms, Suzi always seemed such a pleasant, down to earth person, until she put on her skin tight one-piece leather outfit to go on stage, when her ‘rock ‘n’ roll lead singer with attitude’ persona came to the fore. Teenagers in particular found her act to be highly enjoyable. Quatro had other hits around the same time as ‘Devil Gate Drive’, such as ‘48 Crash’, ‘Can the Can’ and ‘The Wild One’.
‘Earthquake in My Head’, written by Garth Porter and Clive Shakespeare, performed by Sherbet (1974)
From Oz band Sherbet’s third studio album, Slipstream, this is an up-tempo rocker in which the singer repeatedly blames the devil for the strange, disturbed way he is feeling: ‘the devil done put / an earthquake in my head …’. It’s a song I vividly recall from my early teens, when I couldn’t help but hear my younger sister’s Sherbet LPs blaring through the family house, particularly on weekends.
‘Devil Woman’, written by Terry Britten and Christine Authors, performed by Cliff Richard (1976)
This catchy pop number, about ‘a devil woman / with evil on her mind’ (more particularly a fortune teller), marked a renaissance at roughly mid-point in Cliff Richard’s long career. It was his biggest-ever hit in the USA.
‘The Devil Went Down to Georgia’, written by Charlie Daniels, Tom Crain, “Taz” DiGregorio, Fred Edwards, Charles Hayward and James W Marshall, performed by Charlie Daniels Band (1979)
This country-folk-rock song was a major hit for the Charlie Daniels Band in a range of countries, including the USA. The lyrics basically concern the devil and a man named Johnny, who have a fiddle contest, which the devil loses. (Actually, one would have expected the devil to be a better musician that what he displays in this number; after all, in a folkloric sense, the devil is supposed to have great prowess when it comes to music.)
‘Devil You Know’ written by Dave Dobbyn, performed by DD Smash (1982)
(Sir) Dave Dobbyn, the ‘DD’ of ‘DD Smash’, is a new Zealand music legend, both as performer and songwriter. ‘Devil You Know’, the song, is an engaging rocker which deals with the well-known saying, ‘Better the devil you know’.
‘Devil Inside’, written by Andrew Farriss and Michael Hutchence, performed by INXS (1987)
This big international hit from Australian band INXS, from their sixth studio album, Kick, is a highly danceable, moody rock number with a catchy guitar riff. Basically, the sentiment of the song is that we all have ‘the devil inside’ us, but the sense here is more of the devil being mischievous and naughty than downright evil.
‘I Fell in Love with the Devil’, written and performed by Avril Lavigne (2019)
Canadian singer songwriter Lavigne’s power ballad, from her sixth studio album, about a toxic relationship (i.e. falling in love with a bad guy who was therefore ‘no good’ for her) is not exactly something to get excited about. For example, lyrically it is just too literal, lacking in imagination and originality. The chorus underlines this aspect of the song well:
‘I fell in love with the devil
And now I’m in trouble
I fell in love with the Devil
I’m underneath his spell (Oh)
Someone send me an angel
To lend me a halo
I fell in love with the Devil
Please save me from this hell (Oh) …’
Musically, the song lacks distinction, too, being pedestrian and melodically unexciting.
…………………………..
Over to you, now Almanac readers. Please put your ‘songs about devils’ in the comments section, plus any other thoughts you wish to share on the topic.
[Note: Wikipedia has been a good general reference for this piece, particularly in relation to checking dates and other details.]
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About
Kevin Densley is a graduate of both Deakin University and The University of Melbourne. He has taught writing and literature in numerous Victorian universities and TAFES. He is a poet and writer-in-general. His fifth book-length poetry collection, Please Feed the Macaws ... I'm Feeling Too Indolent, was published in late 2023 by Ginninderra Press. He is also the co-author of ten play collections for young people, as well as a multi Green Room Award nominated play, Last Chance Gas, published by Currency Press. Other writing includes screenplays for educational films.
Here’s a few KD
Smiths – Handsome Devil
Go-Betweens – The Devil’s Eye
Cozy Powell – Dance With The Devil
‘Devil With A Blue Dress On’ – Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels, big hit in ’66 I think. Great song.
When I was living In London in ’74 Suzi Quatro was huge, and ‘Devil Gate Drive was one of her many songs on constant rotation on jukeboxes in pubs, off putting for a Dylan fan like myself.
Many thanks for these, Swish – interesting songs, as always.
The Cozy Powell instrumental takes me back to when I was a kid in the early seventies; interestingly, as you may know, the bass guitarist on this track was Suzi Quatro.
Thanks so much, Col, for your contributions. As you’ll recall, Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels released their classic single as a medley with Good Golly Miss Molly.
And yes, I agree re Suzi Q – she was very much a performer for teenagers, as I indicate in my piece, though, having said that, I’ve always found her likeable enough in general terms.
“Somebody’s knockin’
Should I let him in?
Lord, it’s the devil
Would you look at him?”
Somebody’s Knockin’ – Terri Gibbs 1980
My favourite ‘devil’ track:
“Devil’s Dance Floor” by Flogging Molly.
For anyone not familiar with it, do yourself a favour.
Just remembered another ‘devil’ song – from 1968 ‘Race with The Devil’ by The Gun. Big hit that year and some wild riffy lead guitar.
Hi George. Good one! Interesting country tune about the devil in attire one wouldn’t expect.
HI Smokie. Nothing like a bit Celtic punk to liven up the middle of the day! Thanks so much!
Thanks, Col, for your additional contribution. It’s a beauty. Love the riffy, earlyish prog rock sound of The Gun’s hit, ‘Race with the Devil’!
The Devil Came from Kansas, Procol Harum
Devils & Dust, Bruce
Saturday Satan Sunday Saint, Mr Tubbs to you
Revival (Zach Bryan, along with Charley Crockett and Billy Strings – a must listen)
Pray the Devil Back to Hell, Lucinda
The Little Lady Preacher, Tom T Hall (barely gets through but have a listen, and you’ll note that the “devil’s” music wins)
Cheers
The Devil Drives – Dave Graney ‘n The Coral Snakes
They Caught The Devil And Put Him In Jail In Eudora, Arkansas – Tony Joe White
What an interesting and fabulous selction of songs, Rick. Thank you.
Just had a listen to all of them.
Cheers.
Thanks, Paul, for your contributions – both fine additions to what is shaping up as an impressive list of ‘devil’ songs.
And
The Devil’s Right Hand, Steve Earle
I Must Be the Devil, The Box Tops
Devil’s Haircut, Beck
Highway to Hell, ACDC
Christine’s Tune, The Flying Burrito Brothers
Thanks again, Rick – all great songs; with regard to me listening to them this afternoon, ‘Christine’s Tune’ stood out – maybe because I was instantly struck by how distinctive Parson and band’s almost mind-blowingly innovative take on country-rock was for its time – involving country, rock, folk, psychedelic rock, you name it … wow – what a blend!
“Friend of the Devil” by the Grateful Dead is from their American Beauty album. Along with Workingman’s Dead one of the first and best “Americana” country/rock/roots tinged albums.
A friend mentioned Cliff Richard’s “Devil Woman” from his 70’s comeback comeback period (early Johnny Farnham prototype). A man of my taste and refinement couldn’t possibly have liked such pop trash.
Thanks, PB, for your contribution – good choices! I actually used ‘Devil Woman’ in my initial list pertaining to this piece, primarily because it made a pretty big impression upon me at the age of fourteen or so. Even then, I thought Cliff was a bit a dag, though the song itself is well-crafted, with a catchy chorus – if a bit obvious in terms of its lyrical content.
Xmas with the devil by Spinal Tap and I’m not sure it qualifies without the devil being mentioned but Black Sabbath’s Lord of This World is my favourite song about the dark lord.
Thanks so much, Ian. Good stuff! I thought Ozzy, Tommy, Geezer etc. deserved a nod somewhere in this discussion! The Spinal Tap song is a good ‘un (or bad ‘un), too.
Good get Rick. Christine’s Tune with the wondrous harmonies and the swooping sounds of Sneaky Pete’s pedal steel.
Also Kevin,
Angel Is The Devil from Train A Comin’ (Steve Earle). Covers two of your categories. And at least one other song on the album should cover the Flawed Humanity aspect.
Thanks, Peter, for your comments.
‘Angel is the Devil’ is a great little song, succinct and with wit and edge. And you’re right to indicate how an individual song can come to grips with apparently contradictory and/or opposite things, such as angels and devils – the world is such that many aren’t simply about one thing or its apparent opposite.
A couple more: ‘Little Devil’ (Neil Sedaka) and ‘Better the Devil You Know’ (Kylie Minogue).
This time around, not much that I can add. Seems like Dylan, despite the so-called ‘Christian trilogy’ of albums, hasn’t penned a song title with the “Devil” or even “Satan” as the leading man.
The best I can garner from Dylan’s vast anthology are:
“It may be the Devil, or it may be the Lord, but you gonna have to serve somebody”
“Satan whispers to ya, ‘Well, I don’t want to bore ya but….” from Trouble In Mind
“I was blinded by the devil, born already ruined/stone-cold dead, as I stepped out of the womb” from Saved
“You know that sometimes Satan comes as a man of peace”
“I had a pony, her name was Lucifer”
I’d been meaning to add a comment re Dylan to this great thread Kevin, but hadn’t got around to it yet …but Karl has reminded me. Dylan’s been writing about the devil, Satan, Lucifer, etc. since 1963. I even once wrote an essay about it here:
https://overland.org.au/2010/10/dylan-the-devil-and-judas/
Here’s a few off the bat (some which you have listed above)
Well sometimes you can’t see him so good
When he hides his head neath a snow white hood (Talking Devil, 1963)
But the enemy I see / Wears a cloak of decency (Slow Train, 1979)
Well, the devil’s shining light, it can be most blinding (Saving Grace, 1980)
You know sometimes Satan comes as a man of peace (Man of Peace, 1983)
I had a pony, her name was Lucifer (New Pony, 1978)
Well, it may be the devil or it may be the Lord
But you’re gonna have to serve somebody (Gotta Serve Somebody, 1979)
He saw an animal as smooth as glass
Slithering his way through the grass
Saw him disappear by a tree near a lake (Man Gave Names to All the Animals, 1979)
Satan got you by the heel (Dead Man, Dead Man, 1981)
Here comes Satan, prince of the power of the air (Trouble in Mind, 1979)
I was blinded by the devil (Saved, 1980)
Well, the devil’s shining light, it can be most blinding (Saving Grace, 1980)
Satan whispers to ya, ‘Well, I don’t want to bore ya
But when ya get tired of the Miss So-and-so I got another woman for ya’ (Trouble in Mind, 1979)
Temptation’s not an easy thing, Adam given the devil reign
Because he sinned I got no choice, it run in my vein (Pressing On, 1980)
You do the work of the devil (You Changed My Life, 1981)
Just say that I trusted in God and that Christ was in me
Say He defeated the devil, He was God’s chosen Son (Ain’t No Man Righteous, No Not One)
And many more subtle references, too numerous to post here. It’s a great topic.
The Stones and INXS my favourite songs on your devils list.
I’ll add “Devil’s Lover” by Catherine Traicos and the Starry Night from their 2013 album “The Earth, The Sea, The Moon, The Sky”.
Hi Karl. A fine contribution – thank you. The song didn’t have to have the word ‘devil’ (or ‘devils’) in the title – the thing was that the song needed to be connected in some way to that entity. Hence, you’ve come up with some highly apt quotations from the Dylan body of work.
Hi Damian. Wow! What a detailed, encyclopedic response! I will take the time to read your essay thoroughly.
Thanks, Luke, for ‘Devil’s Lover’. The Earth, The Sea, The Moon, The Sky sounds like a fine album. Love its title, too!
Also, it would be remiss of me not to mention ‘Satan is Real’ by the Louvin Brothers. Rick Kane, the Glen A. Baker of the Almanac, got me on to the sublime harmonies of the Louvin Brothers many years ago & I’ve never looked back!
Damian ~ I read your Overland essay on Dylan & the devil & Judas ~ excellent! I was very impressed by the reference to Blind Boy Grunt.
Hi Damian. Yes, ‘Satan is Real’ I know of that one, too. I thought somebody had already mentioned it, but it seems not. Thanks for adding it.
Thanks Karl. Would love to see this list of 71 Dylan covers by Australian artists. Perhaps another post?
Cheers KD, surprised Mr Kane didn’t mention ‘Satan is Real’. I seem to remember it being his facebook profile pic a few years back. Now that is commitment.
Sometimes DB, it’s the ones starring you in the face that you miss. But good reminder. The Dylan lines/songs likewise. I look forward to reading your essay!
And a couple more:
Devil or Angel, The Clovers
Pump it Up, Little Elvis (slight reference)
Conversation with the Devil, Ray Wylie Hubbard
and how could we leave this out: Hellhound on my Trail, Robert Johnson
HI Rick. Yes – your ‘the ones staring you in the face’ reference reminded me of that Simpsons episode in which the Devil appeared in the form of Ned Flanders!
Thanks for the additional songs.
Another obscure, relevant reference occurs in Squeeze’s ‘Up the Junction’ (1979), in which the singer laments: ‘The devil came and took me / From bar to street to bookie …’. So English!
Great call with Up the Junction KD! What a magnificent song.
Cheers, Rick. I’m a big Squeeze fan.
The Cult – Lil’ Devil.
Epic riffage.
Hi Tim. Thanks for your input. Fine song! Yes, I love the riffy guitar work!