About the song
Alan Jackson’s “Between the Devil and Me” is a poignant country ballad that delves into the complexities of temptation and the moral dilemmas that can arise in relationships. Released in 1997 as the fifth single from his album “Everything I Love,” the song quickly became a chart-topper, reaching number two on the Billboard country singles charts.
Penned by Harley Allen and Carson Chamberlain, the same songwriting duo behind the album’s title track, “Between the Devil and Me” paints a vivid picture of a man torn between his commitment to his marriage and the allure of an extramarital affair. The narrator candidly expresses his attraction to another woman, admitting that she’s “all I see / Between the devil and me.”
The song’s mid-tempo melody and heartfelt lyrics resonated with audiences, capturing the universal struggle of temptation. Jackson’s emotive vocals convey the narrator’s internal conflict, making the song both relatable and compelling.
Critics praised “Between the Devil and Me” for its honest portrayal of a moral dilemma. Stephen Thomas Erlewine of AllMusic noted the song’s blend of traditional country elements and contemporary sounds, while Entertainment Weekly critic Alanna Nash lauded Jackson’s ability to infuse the song with emotional intensity.
“Between the Devil and Me” is a powerful reminder of the challenges that can arise in relationships. It’s a song that invites listeners to reflect on their own experiences with temptation and the choices they make. With its relatable themes and heartfelt performance, the song remains a timeless classic in the country music genre.
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Lyrics
This world can take you by the hand
And tempt the soul of any man
You can choose your path
There’s two roads you can take
One way is right and one is wrong
The flesh is weak
But love is strong
And she’s all I see between the Devil and me
The gates of Hell swing open wide
Inviting me to step inside
I’ll be your friend
Because, again, I know it’s him
The flames are spreading everywhere
Through the smoke I see you there
She’s all I see, between the Devil and me
I hold her in my arms at night
So safe and warm I close my eyes
And a cool breeze blows ‘cross our bodies in the dark
Outside her reach is my concern
Somewhere I know the fire burns
She’s all I see, between the Devil and me
The gates of Hell swing open wide
Inviting me to step inside
I’ll be your friend
Because, again, I know it’s him
The flames are spreading everywhere
Through the smoke I see you there
She’s all I see between the Devil and me
The gates of Hell swing open wide
Inviting me to step inside
She’s all I see, between the Devil and me