The Charlie Daniels Band – The Devil Went Down to Georgia

About The Song

In the realm of Southern rock, few anthems stand as tall and proud as “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” by Charlie Daniels Band. Released in 1979 as part of their album Million Mile Reflections, this iconic track has become a staple of classic rock radio, a timeless favorite that continues to captivate audiences with its infectious energy, storytelling prowess, and genre-bending blend of Southern rock, blues, and country.

Charlie Daniels Band, led by the charismatic frontman and fiddle virtuoso Charlie Daniels, was a force to be reckoned with in the Southern rock scene. Their music was infused with a deep connection to their Southern roots, celebrating the region’s rich culture, traditions, and storytelling heritage. “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” epitomizes this spirit, weaving a tale of a fiddle-playing showdown between a young man named Johnny and the Devil himself, with the stakes being no less than Johnny’s soul.

The song opens with a rousing fiddle riff, immediately setting the tone for the musical journey that lies ahead. Daniels’s vocals are full of character and grit, perfectly conveying the story’s protagonist, Johnny, a young man with a passion for music and a defiant spirit. As the narrative unfolds, we are introduced to the Devil, a sly and cunning character, played with relish by Johnny Cash in the song’s music video.

The central conflict of the song revolves around a fiddle duel, a battle of musical prowess and soul. Johnny, armed with his talent and determination, faces off against the Devil, who is no slouch himself on the fiddle. The stakes are high, and the tension is palpable as the two musicians trade licks, each trying to outdo the other.

The song’s lyrics are as captivating as its music, painting vivid imagery and bringing the story to life. Daniels’s songwriting is masterful, blending humor, folklore, and Southern colloquialisms to create a narrative that is both entertaining and engaging. The song’s chorus, with its repeated refrain of “Fire on the mountain, run boys, run!”, is an infectious earworm that has become synonymous with the track itself.

“The Devil Went Down to Georgia” is more than just a catchy song; it’s a celebration of Southern culture, a testament to the power of music, and a reminder that even in the face of overwhelming odds, one should never give up on their dreams. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal and its ability to connect with audiences on multiple levels. It’s a song that has stood the test of time, remaining a beloved classic that continues to rock listeners of all ages.

Video

Lyric

The Devil went down to Georgia. He was lookin’ for a soul to steal.
He was in a bind ’cause he was way behind. 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 upon 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; and 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 it hard.
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 an evil hiss.
And 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 easy 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’s in the bread pan picking 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.”

“Fire on the Mountain.” Run, boys, run!
The Devil’s in the house of the rising sun;
The chicken’s in the bread pan picking out dough.
Granny, will your dog bite? No, child, no.