About the song
“The Devil Went Down to Georgia,” a cornerstone of American music culture, epitomizes the fusion of storytelling and musical virtuosity that defines the Charlie Daniels Band. Released on their 1979 album ‘Million Mile Reflections,’ the song’s enduring appeal lies in its captivating narrative and dynamic instrumentation.
Set in the key of D minor, the song’s genesis stems from an earlier melody crafted by Vassar Clements, adapted and transformed by Charlie Daniels into its iconic form. The lyrics unfold as a spoken narrative, recounting the fateful encounter between the Devil and a talented young man named Johnny. This encounter takes shape as a fiddle duel, where the stakes are nothing less than Johnny’s soul, wagered against the Devil’s golden fiddle.
The Devil’s fiery performance, accompanied by his infernal band, sets the stage for Johnny’s response—a masterful display of traditional tunes interwoven with his own creative flair. Each note resonates with defiance and skill, culminating in Johnny’s triumph over the Devil himself. As the Devil concedes defeat, laying his fiddle at Johnny’s feet, the song leaves an indelible impression of resilience and victory in the face of temptation.
Critically acclaimed for its narrative depth and musical intensity, “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” achieved widespread success, reaching No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. It remains a pinnacle of the Charlie Daniels Band’s discography, celebrated for its thundering piano, screaming fiddle work, and the evocative storytelling prowess captured by producer John Boylan.
Beyond its commercial success, the song has earned a place in music history as a quintessential example of the ‘deal with the Devil’ motif. Drawing inspiration from literary traditions and folklore, Charlie Daniels himself mused on its origins, recalling influences that stretch back to early American poetry.
In 2024, Rolling Stone honored “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” by ranking it #120 on its list of the 200 Greatest Country Songs of All Time—a testament to its enduring impact and resonance within the country music genre.
Ultimately, “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” transcends its origins as a mere song; it stands as a testament to the power of narrative in music, blending folklore, tradition, and virtuosic performance into a timeless musical experience. With its unforgettable tale of a fateful contest between mortal and infernal, it continues to captivate audiences and inspire musicians, solidifying its place as a classic of American music.
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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 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; 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 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, old son,
But sit down in that chair right there, 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 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.”
And he played:“Fire on the Mountain”. Run, boys, run!
Devil’s in the house of the rising sun;
The chicken in the bread pan picking out dough.
Granny, will your dog bite? No, child, no.
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