About the song
Kris Kristofferson, a name synonymous with heartfelt country music, gifted us with a treasure trove of timeless songs. Among these, “The Silver Tongued Devil And I” stands out as a poignant and relatable ballad that continues to resonate with listeners decades after its release in 1971.
This song is a masterclass in storytelling. Kristofferson paints a vivid picture of a man wrestling with his inner demons. The “silver tongued devil” is a metaphor for temptation, the dark side that lurks within us all. It’s a universal theme that we can all identify with. The lyrics are simple yet profound, filled with imagery that evokes strong emotions.
The melody of the song is both haunting and beautiful. It’s a melody that lingers in your mind long after the final note fades. Kristofferson’s vocals are filled with a raw emotion that gives the song an authenticity that is hard to replicate. His voice is like a warm cup of coffee on a cold winter’s day, comforting and familiar.
“The Silver Tongued Devil And I” is a song about the human condition. It’s a song about our struggles, our triumphs, and our ultimate desire for redemption. It’s a song that reminds us that we are not alone in our battles with ourselves.
Why does this song continue to resonate with listeners today? Perhaps it’s because the themes explored in the song are timeless. The struggle between good and evil is a universal one. We all face temptations in our lives, and we all make mistakes. But it is in these moments of vulnerability that we find our greatest strength.
“The Silver Tongued Devil And I” is a song that has been covered by many artists over the years, each bringing their own unique interpretation to the song. However, it is Kristofferson’s original version that remains the definitive recording.
If you’re a fan of classic country music, or if you’re simply looking for a song that will move you, I highly recommend giving “The Silver Tongued Devil And I” a listen. It’s a song that will stay with you long after the last note fades.
Video
Lyrics
I took myself down to the Tally-Ho Tavern to buy me a bottle of beer
I sat me down by a tender young maiden whose eyes were as dark as her hair
And as I was searchin’ from bottle to bottle for somethin’ unfoolish to say
That silver tongued devil just slipped from the shadows and smilingly stole her away
I said hey little girl don’t you know he’s the devil he’s everything that I ain’t
Hidin’ intentions of evil under the smile of a saint
All he’s good for is gettin’ in trouble and shifting his share of the blame
And some people swear he’s my double and some even say we’re the same
But the silver tongued devil’s got nothing to lose I’ll only live till I die
We take our own chances and pay our own dues the silver tongued devil and I
Like all the fair maidens who’ve laid down beside him
She knew in her heart that he’d lied
But nothing that I could have said could’ve saved her
No matter how hard that she tried
Cause she’ll offer her soul to the darkness and danger
Of something that she’s never known
And open her arms at the smile of a stranger who’ll love her and leave her alone
And you know he’s the devil…