About the song
Kris Kristofferson is a name synonymous with country music. His songwriting prowess has gifted us with countless timeless tunes, and among his most poignant works is “To Beat the Devil”. This song, released in 1970 on his self-titled debut album, is a raw and honest exploration of the human condition, particularly the struggles of addiction and the search for redemption.
“To Beat the Devil” paints a vivid picture of a man down on his luck, seeking solace in a dimly lit bar. The imagery is stark and evocative, drawing the listener into the gritty world of the protagonist. Kristofferson’s lyrics are filled with a sense of despair and longing, as he grapples with the demons that haunt him. The song is more than just a country ballad; it’s a meditation on the fragility of life and the enduring power of hope.
One of the most striking aspects of “To Beat the Devil” is its simplicity. The melody is understated, allowing Kristofferson’s powerful vocals and poignant lyrics to take center stage. The song’s arrangement is sparse, with just a few acoustic instruments providing a backdrop for the singer’s heartfelt performance. This stripped-down approach creates a sense of intimacy, making the listener feel as though they are sitting in the bar with the protagonist, sharing his pain and his dreams.
The song’s title, “To Beat the Devil”, is laden with symbolism. The devil can be seen as a metaphor for addiction, despair, or any other force that threatens to consume a person. The protagonist’s desire to “beat the devil” is a universal one, reflecting the human struggle to overcome adversity and find meaning in life.
Beyond its personal significance for Kristofferson, “To Beat the Devil” has resonated with countless listeners over the years. The song’s themes of addiction, redemption, and the search for meaning are timeless and have touched the hearts of people from all walks of life. It is a testament to the power of music to connect us on a deep and emotional level.
In conclusion, “To Beat the Devil” is a masterpiece of country songwriting. Kristofferson’s unflinching honesty and poetic lyricism have created a song that is both deeply personal and universally relatable. Whether you’re a longtime fan of country music or simply appreciate a well-crafted song, “To Beat the Devil” is a must-listen.
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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:[Sung:]
“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.[Spoken:]
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.[Sung:]
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.