Artists worldwide, from ancient folklore to new culture, have been thrilled by the allure of the devil. These tunes appear in all musical genres, some controversial and others more light-hearted. In this article, we look at the best songs about the devil himself.
“Devil Inside” by INXS
Song Year: 1987
From the band’s album “Kick” this song talks about how there can be a little bit of the devil in all of us. While half of our actions are good, there is another half that people or influences can easily sway us to make poor decisions. This mentality is referred to as having the devil inside of you.
While not everyone shares this mentality, the song was highly popular after being released, and its catchy beat made it a well-played radio hit. The band continued to put out music until 1997, when one of the members committed suicide.
“Sympathy For the Devil” by The Rolling Stones
Song Year: 1968
This older song comes from the band’s album “Beggar’s Banquet.” As you listen to the tune, you will notice that it is written from the devil’s perspective, although the individual is trying to downplay who he is.
Throughout the song, the devil highlights some of the antics he has done in his role and what has come of them. While the premise is interesting, the song caused the band to be accused of Satanism, despite being influenced by stories of the war.
“The Devil Went Down To Georgia” by The Charlie Daniels Band
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wBjPAqmnvGA
Song Year: 1979
When you think of songs that speak of the devil, this noteworthy croon by The Charlie Daniels Band is likely the first to cross your mind. The song’s story is unusual, with the devil challenging a young boy. In this interaction, the devil would get his soul if the boy lost. However, if he won, he would receive a golden fiddle.
Suffice it to say the young boy in the story wins the challenge and walks away with his new golden fiddle.
“Devil’s Dance” by Metallica
Song Year: 1997
When the band Metallica formed in 1981, they stormed the music scene. Since its inception, the band has had many top hits, including this song from their “Reload” album.
In the lyrics to this tune, the lead singer talks about how the devil works hard to influence you and your life choices on a daily basis. The song goes on to say that the devil is always around, and it is a constant effort to push him away and avoid his actions.
“Devil’s Daughter” by Ozzy Osbourne
Song Year: 1988
This song comes from his infamous album “No Rest For the Wicked” by Ozzy Osbourne. The premise of this song revolves around telling a person who exhibits evil traits that they don’t want to begin the fight they are about to have.
Using references to a holy war and calling the person in question the devil’s daughter gives you insight into the level of intensity this song portrays to listeners.
“Satan, Your Kingdom Must Come Down” by Willie Nelson
Song Year: 2010
As a top-performing country artist who has won ten Grammys to date, Willie Nelson fans are loyal and supportive in every way. This song, from the artist’s album “Country Music,” talks about how we must conquer the devil.
Within the song, Nelson says that Jesus has declared that the kingdom of the devil must come down. There is no room for his antics in this world, and more positive influences need to supersede his negative ones.
“Runnin’ With the Devil” by Van Halen
Song Year: 1978
Van Halen is known for their vast array of musical hits. This song comes from their self-titled debut album and is no exception. Written while the band was in their first experiences touring and being on the road, the song references how acts of the devil are all around.
For the band members, being able to have the freedom to do as they wish can have negative connotations. The devil is always by your side, encouraging you to engage in his ways.
“Devil’s Right Hand” by Johnny Cash
Song Year: 2003
This Johnny Cash song was released shortly after his death as part of his “Unearthed” collection of music that never previously made it onto albums. There have been many versions of this song, with writer Steve Earle penning it in the 80s.
The lyrics tell the story of a person shooting another during an altercation over a game of cards. When the police come to arrest him, he tells them he didn’t do it. He claims the devil’s right hand was the only one to touch the trigger.
“Shout at the Devil” By Motley Crue
Song Year: 1983
When this song was released in 1983 on an album of the same name, the premise behind the lyrics was the foray into Satanism by the band’s bassist. The album cover included a pentagram, which many took as a reference to the devil.
The bassist utilized similar graphics in a previous band and brought them over to Motley Crue when he joined. Although highly controversial, the song made it higher on the Billboard charts than any other song they recorded.
“Devil In Her Heart” by The Beatles
Song Year: 1963
The Beatles are an irresistible band with songs that include all topics. This one, in particular, talks about the problem that comes with liking a girl who isn’t necessarily pure at heart.
While it’s fine not to be perfect, you know at times that an individual has traits that aren’t going to mesh well with your personality. Unfortunately, the right choice is to walk away from the relationship often, even if you have feelings for them.
“Devil” by Shinedown
Song Year: 2018
Every day we come face to face with negative things that scare us or influence us incorrectly. This song, off of Shinedown’s “Attention Attention” album, paints a picture of those situations, referencing moments in which the devil is present.
Furthermore, the lyrics tell of how humans are confronted with these elements on a daily basis. The key to success is to continue pushing back on the things that come your way.
“Deal With the Devil” by Pop Evil
Song Year: 2013
In the case of this song by Michigan band Pop Evil, the devil isn’t the figure we know from religion. Instead, the devil in this situation is the father of a young girl who has been abusing her for years.
As part of a three-segment series, this song references the girl’s downward spiral as she deals with the trauma. One of those ways is abusing substances, as reflected in the video. Drummer Josh Marunde offers the wisdom that you don’t always know how to deal with something but that all decisions come with consequences.
“The Devil In I” by Slipknot
Song Year: 2014
As a forewarning, the video to this song is meant to grab your attention. Through the standard behavior of Slipknot, this isn’t a surprise to most. However, it does have some shocking and almost scary elements.
That aside, the reason for this song is to talk about how there can be conflict within yourself, similar to a war. At times it can feel like you have to give up. The lyrics encourage listeners to push back on those thoughts and persevere constantly.
“Devil’s Haircut” by Beck
Song Year: 1996
Many Beck fans have spent years deciphering this song’s lyrics. The artist himself has also been quite vague about it, although he once stated that it’s an homage to the evilness that vanity brings to the world.
Even with that, some fans wonder if the song’s subject is an ode to the singer’s Vicodin addition. The song’s title has been referenced in work by other bands, and the music has been part of several television shows and movies.
“Devil’s Child” by Judas Priest
Song Year: 1982
While you will often hear someone jokingly refer to a naughty toddler as the devil’s child, this song gives that title to a woman that the lead character is entranced by. Throughout the lyrics, the words talk about how much they want to be with her but know that it’s not a good choice.
In the end, some people make the decision they shouldn’t, and others go with their gut and choose the better option. Additionally, sometimes you know the right choice but the wrong one.
“The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here” by Alice In Chains
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0_2Wq9Aos4
Song Year: 2013
While the band Alice In Chains experienced a lot of success, fans didn’t receive this song and its album of the same name as well. The band tried to take their album in a different direction than their prior music, but their efforts backfired.
This song struck a nerve with audiences because it poked holes in the theories of Christianity. The lyrics underscore how Christians put the blame for a lot of things on the devil when their thoughts don’t line up.
“Kick The Devil Outta Me” by The Black Crowes
Song Year: 1990
While this song never made its way onto any albums other than a live release, it became popular once it was unearthed. Since the band was formed in 1984, many hit songs have come since then.
In this song, band member Chris Robinson is giving a clear message to those who are interested in him to watch out because he’s not good at relationships. To get better at that, he needs to kick the devil out.
“The Devil” by Motorhead
Song Year: 2015
This well-known heavy metal song comes from the band’s album “Bad Magic.” As another band that has frequently seen the top of music charts, it’s no surprise that this one also saw a lot of excitement from fans.
Throughout the lyrics, you will see a theme in which the lead singer asks what the devil hopes to achieve. One can also transfer this mentality to those who are also going down the wrong path.
“Devil’s Island” by Megadeth
Song Year: 1986
The emotions behind this song are quite deep, and Megadeth’s performance gives it a heart-hitting message that will resonate with you. From the band’s album “Peace Sells…But Who’s Buying?” this song talks about a prison that once resided in French Guyana called Devil’s Island.
In the lyrics, you will hear a story of a person who was about to be executed on the island but was saved by God at the last minute.
“Dancing With the Devil” by Demi Lovato
Song Year: 2021
This song, from the album of the same name, coincides with Lovato’s documentary on her personal and professional life. In it, she brings to light many of the struggles she has faced along the way and how she has fought to overcome them.
While she sometimes felt like she was dancing with the devil, things are getting better now, and she feels in a better place than she once was.
“Devil In Me” by Halsey
Song Year: 2017
This song by musician Halsey comes from her album “Hopeless Fountain Kingdom.” The lyrics display the negative thoughts and inner demons that many people hold inside and how it can seem like the devil is present inside you during those times.
As a celebrity, Halsey has been open about her battle with bipolar disorder. For this song and the powerful message, she collaborated with Australian musician Sia.
Top Songs About the Devil, Final Thoughts
You may not think that the topic of the devil would bring forth so many hit songs. However, this list proves that it has amassed quite a few throughout the years. These songs about the devil come in all genres, and many have made it to the top of the charts.