About the song
“Devil Woman,” released in 1976 as a single by British singer Cliff Richard, quickly became a global sensation and remains one of his most iconic songs to date. Penned by Terry Britten and Christine Authors (known professionally as Christine Holmes), the track narrates a chilling tale of a man ensnared by a curse inflicted by a mysterious feline with malevolent eyes. This encounter leads him to seek aid from a psychic medium, only to discover that the medium herself was the source of his misfortune.
The song’s narrative, evocative lyrics, and Cliff Richard’s commanding vocal delivery captivated audiences worldwide. Originally released in April 1976, “Devil Woman” ascended to number 9 on the UK singles chart and marked Richard’s breakthrough into the US market, peaking at number 6 on the Billboard Hot 100. It became his highest-charting single in the United States and remains his best-selling record there, earning gold certifications from both the RIAA and the CRIA.
Musically, “Devil Woman” is characterized by Terry Britten’s guitar-driven composition, complemented by Alan Tarney on bass, Clem Cattini on drums, Graham Todd on keyboards, and harmonies by Tony Rivers, John Perry, and Ken Gold. Richard Hewson’s string arrangements add depth to the track, while a Rhodes electric piano further enriches its haunting melody. The song’s chorus, notable for its distinctive vocal line, even influenced the composition of Black Sabbath’s “Lady Evil.”
Beyond its initial success, “Devil Woman” experienced a resurgence in popularity following its prominent inclusion in the 2017 film “I, Tonya,” where it served as the theme for Allison Janney’s character, LaVona Golden. This cinematic revival reintroduced the song to a new generation of listeners, affirming its enduring appeal and cultural significance.
“Devil Woman” remains a testament to Cliff Richard’s ability to blend storytelling with memorable melodies, ensuring its place as a timeless classic in the annals of pop and rock music history.
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Lyrics
I’ve had nothing, but bad luck
Since the day I saw the cat at my door
So I came into you sweet lady
Answering your mystical call
Crystal ball on the table
Showing the future, the past
Same cat with them evil eyes
And I knew it was a spell she cast
She’s just a devil woman
With evil on her mind
Beware the devil woman
She’s gonna get you
She’s just a devil woman
With evil on her mind
Beware the devil woman
She’s gonna get you from behind
Give me the ring on your finger
Let me see the lines on your hand
I can see me a tall dark stranger
Giving you what you hadn’t planned
I drank the potion she offered me
I found myself on the floor
Then I looked in those big green eyes
And I wondered what I’d came there for
She’s just a devil woman
With evil on her mind
Beware the devil woman
She’s gonna get you
She’s just a devil woman
With evil on her mind
Beware the devil woman
She’s gonna get you from behind
Stay away, look out
If you’re out on a moonlit night
Be careful of them neighborhood strays
Of a lady with long black hair
Tryin’ to win you with her feminine ways
Crystal ball on the table
Showing the future, the past
Same cat with them evil eyes
You’d better get out of there fast
She’s just a devil woman
With evil on her mind
Beware the devil woman
She’s gonna get you
She’s just a devil woman
With evil on her mind
Beware the devil woman
She’s gonna get you
She’s just a devil woman
With evil on her mind
Beware the devil woman
She’s gonna get you
She’s just a devil woman
With evil on her mind
Beware the devil woman
She’s gonna get you