About the song
Kris Kristofferson, a legendary figure in country music, has given us countless heartfelt songs. One such song, “To Beat The Devil,” is a powerful exploration of perseverance, resilience, and the human spirit.
The title itself, “To Beat The Devil,” suggests a struggle against a formidable opponent. Kristofferson paints a vivid picture of a person facing insurmountable challenges, but refusing to give up. With his signature raspy vocals, he delivers a message of hope and determination.
The lyrics, though simple, carry a deep emotional weight. Kristofferson describes a life filled with hardships and setbacks, but the protagonist remains steadfast in their belief that they can overcome any obstacle. The imagery of the “devil” can be interpreted in various ways, representing everything from personal demons to external forces that threaten to bring a person down.
“To Beat The Devil” is more than just a song about overcoming adversity; it’s a celebration of the human spirit. The protagonist’s journey is one that many can relate to, as it speaks to the universal desire to triumph over challenges.
Musically, the song is a classic country ballad, characterized by its melancholic melody and understated instrumentation. The song’s simplicity allows Kristofferson’s powerful vocals to take center stage, conveying the raw emotion and determination of the lyrics.
“To Beat The Devil” is a timeless classic that continues to inspire and uplift listeners. It’s a reminder that no matter how difficult life may seem, there is always hope for a better tomorrow.
Video
Lyrics
A couple of years back, I come across a great and wasted friend of mine in the hallway of a recording studio; and while he was reciting some poetry to me that he’d written, I saw that he was about a step away from dyin’ and I couldn’t help but wonder why. And the lines of this song occurred to me. I’m happy to say he’s no longer wasted and he’s got him a good woman. And I’d like to dedicate this to John and June, who helped show me how to beat the devil.
It was winter time in Nashville, down on music city row.
And I was lookin’ for a place to get myself out of the cold.
To warm the frozen feelin’ that was eatin’ at my soul.
Keep the chilly wind off my guitar.My thirsty wanted whisky; my hungry needed beans,
But it’d been of month of paydays since I’d heard that eagle scream.
So with a stomach full of empty and a pocket full of dreams,
I left my pride and stepped inside a bar.Actually, I guess you’d could call it a Tavern:
Cigarette smoke to the ceiling and sawdust on the floor;
Friendly shadows.I saw that there was just one old man sittin’ at the bar.
And in the mirror I could see him checkin’ me and my guitar.
An’ he turned and said: “Come up here boy, and show us what you are.”
I said: “I’m dry.” He bought me a beer.He nodded at my guitar and said: “It’s a tough life, ain’t it?”
I just looked at him. He said: “You ain’t makin’ any money, are you?”
I said: “You’ve been readin’ my mail.”
He just smiled and said: “Let me see that guitar.
“I’ve got something you oughta hear.”
Then he laid it on me:“If you waste your time a-talkin’ to the people who don’t listen,
“To the things that you are sayin’, who do you think’s gonna hear.
“And if you should die explainin’ how the things that they complain about,
“Are things they could be changin’, who do you think’s gonna care?”There were other lonely singers in a world turned deaf and blind,
Who were crucified for what they tried to show.
And their voices have been scattered by the swirling winds of time.
‘Cos the truth remains that no-one wants to know.Well, the old man was a stranger, but I’d heard his song before,
Back when failure had me locked out on the wrong side of the door.
When no-one stood behind me but my shadow on the floor,
And lonesome was more than a state of mind.You see, the devil haunts a hungry man,
If you don’t wanna join him, you got to beat him.
I ain’t sayin’ I beat the devil, but I drank his beer for nothing.
Then I stole his song.And you still can hear me singin’ to the people who don’t listen,
To the things that I am sayin’, prayin’ someone’s gonna hear.
And I guess I’ll die explaining how the things that they complain about,
Are things they could be changin’, hopin’ someone’s gonna care.I was born a lonely singer, and I’m bound to die the same,
But I’ve got to feed the hunger in my soul.
And if I never have a nickel, I won’t ever die ashamed.
‘Cos I don’t believe that no-one wants to know.