The Devil Went Down to Georgia lyrics tell a story about the devil coming to Georgia, looking for someone’s soul to steal.
He challenges a young man named Johnny to a fiddle-playing contest, betting a golden fiddle against Johnny’s soul.
The confident Johnny accepts the challenge, claiming he’s the best fiddle player around.
The Lyrics
The devil went down to Georgia; he was lookin’ for a soul to steal
He was in a bind ’cause he was way behind
And he was willing’ to make a deal
When he came across this young man sawin’ on a fiddle and playin’ it hot
And the devil jumped up on a hickory stump
And said, “boy, let me tell you what”
“I guess you didn’t know it but I’m a fiddle player too
And if you’d care to take a dare, I’ll make a bet with you
Now you play a pretty good fiddle, boy
But give the devil his due
I’ll bet a fiddle of gold against your soul
‘Cause I think I’m better than you”
The boy said, “my name’s Johnny and it might be a sin
But I’ll take your bet, you’re gonna regret
‘Cause I’m the best there’s ever been”
Johnny, rosin up your bow and play your fiddle hard
‘Cause Hell’s broke loose in Georgia, and the devil deals the cards
And if you win, you get this shiny fiddle made of gold
But if you lose, the devil gets your soul
The devil opened up his case and he said, “I’ll start this show”
And fire flew from his fingertips as he rosined up his bow
And he pulled the bow across the strings
And it made a evil hiss
Then a band of demons joined in
And it sounded something like this
When the devil finished, Johnny said, “well, you’re pretty good, ol’ son
But sit down in that chair right there
And let me show you how it’s done”
“Fire on the Mountain” run boys, run
The devil’s in the House of the Rising Sun
Chicken in a bread pan pickin’ out dough
Granny, does your dog bite? No, child, no
The devil bowed his head because he knew that he’d been beat
And he laid that golden fiddle on the ground at Johnny’s feet
Johnny said, “Devil, just come on back if you ever wanna try again
I done told you once you son of a bitch, I’m the best that’s ever been”
He played “Fire on the Mountain” run boys, run
The devil’s in the House of the Rising Sun
The chicken in a bread pan pickin’ out dough
Granny, will your dog bite? No child, no
About the Poet (Charlie Daniels):
Charlie Daniels was an American singer, songwriter, and musician. Born on October 28, 1936, in Wilmington, North Carolina.
He became a prominent figure in the country and Southern rock music is known for his energetic performances and diverse musical talent
The Devil Went Down to Georgia” lyrics are one of his most well-known and celebrated lyrics.
In this song, Charlie Daniels combines storytelling with lively music, creating a memorable and entertaining piece that has become a classic in the country music genre.
The battle between Johnny and the devil, expressed through fiddle playing, adds a unique and engaging twist to the narrative.
The Devil Went Down to Georgia lyrics meanings:
Introduction:
The song tells a story about the devil, who goes to Georgia looking for a soul to steal. He’s in trouble and willing to make a deal.
He finds a young man named Johnny playing the fiddle. The devil challenges Johnny to a bet involving their fiddling skills, with a golden fiddle and Johnny’s soul at stake.
Challenge Accepted:
Johnny, confident in his fiddling abilities, accepts the devil’s challenge. He introduces himself as Johnny, and, despite knowing it might be considered a sin, he’s ready to compete because he believes he’s the best fiddler around.
The Fiddling Contest:
The devil starts the fiddling contest, creating a fiery spectacle with his playing. However, Johnny, undeterred, responds with a tune called
“Fire on the Mountain,” showcasing his exceptional fiddling skills. The devil realizes he’s met his match.
Johnny Triumphs:
As Johnny finishes his performance, the devil concedes defeat by bowing his head. Johnny has outplayed him, and the devil places the golden fiddle at Johnny’s feet.
Johnny, with confidence and a bit of defiance, tells the devil to come back if he ever wants a rematch because Johnny is the best.
Victory Celebration:
The song ends with Johnny playing “Fire on the Mountain” again, celebrating his triumph over the devil…..
The devil retreats and Johnny asserts his dominance as the superior fiddler. The devil, defeated, acknowledges Johnny’s skill and leaves.
In essence, the song portrays a classic struggle between good and evil, represented by Johnny and the devil, with music being the battleground.
Johnny’s talent and confidence prevail, showcasing the theme of triumph over adversity and the power of skill and determination.
FAQS
The song tells a story about the Devil’s failure to gain a young man’s soul through a fiddle-playing contest
It’s music that goes against their control
“The Mountain Whippoorwill
The song is sung from the perspective of someone whose lover, having failed to become a Hollywood star, is leaving Los Angeles to move back to Georgia.
It has been asserted that Hoagy Carmichael wrote the song about his sister, Georgia.
Killer Queen has appeared in the Guitar Hero series three times.