Devil's Got Rhythm
Dancing with the Devil: Unveiling the Soulful Tale Behind Devil's Got Rhythm
Lyrics
I went looking for a man can't be found some said
The speaker is searching for a man who seems elusive or hard to find.
Eats fire for breakfast and some say he's dead
There are conflicting rumors about this man - some claim he has remarkable abilities while others believe he might be deceased.
He's a thousand feet tall and he can touch the sky
Portrays the man as larger than life, almost godlike, with immense stature and power.
He'll kill ya stone dead with a wink of his eye
He possesses the ability to cause harm effortlessly, perhaps metaphorically suggesting his influence or power to ruin lives.
I went in to a joint just the other day
The speaker recounts an encounter in a place where a mysterious, charismatic figure is present.
And this red hot man wouldn't tell me his name
The enigmatic figure refuses to reveal his identity.
He played double bass and he played it so bold
The person is musically talented but lacks depth or genuine emotion ("soul") in his music.
Said the Devil got rhythm but he ain't got soul
Despite his musical skill, he's portrayed as lacking authenticity or depth.
That's the situation, trouble is his goal
Indicates that causing trouble is inherent to this individual's nature or intentions.
Never underestimate him
A warning not to underestimate this person despite any apparent shortcomings.
The Devils got rhythm but he ain't got soul
Reiterates the idea that while possessing rhythm or talent, this person lacks genuine depth or substance.
Next he threw a party in the county jail
Depicts an event organized by this mysterious figure in a place associated with confinement.
And he said to Mr. Cash "won't you tell me a tale?"
The figure invites Johnny Cash to share a story, possibly aiming to manipulate or tempt him.
Johnny said no and he walked on hard
Johnny Cash refuses the request, remaining steadfast.
So the Devil lit a fire in the county jail yard
Implies that this mysterious figure resorts to drastic measures when faced with refusal.
Now Johnny gets rhythm when he's feeling blue
Johnny Cash finds inspiration and solace in music when feeling down.
And he got some inspiration from a boy named Sue
References a song ("A Boy Named Sue") that inspired Johnny Cash.
Shooting up was digging him a deeper hole
Implies that resorting to harmful habits can deepen personal troubles.
So the Devil got rhythm but he ain't got soul
Reiterates that despite musical talent, depth or genuine feeling is lacking.
That's the situation, trouble is his goal
Reiterates the tendency of this figure to create trouble.
Never underestimate him
Warns against underestimating this figure despite apparent limitations.
The Devils got rhythm but he ain't got soul
Reiterates the lack of depth or genuine emotion in the figure despite musical talent.
Now little Robert Johnston knew old Willie Brown
Introduces another individual influenced by blues music.
And he got some inspiration from the Son House sound
Received inspiration from a blues musician named Son House.
Sweet Home Chicago, Terraplane Blues
References iconic blues songs associated with Chicago.
The Drunken Hearted Man had nothing to lose
Depicts a person in dire straits, with nothing more to lose.
So down to the crossroads went little Robbie J
Refers to the legendary crossroads where blues singer Robert Johnson supposedly made a deal with the devil.
Tryna play his guitar in a bluesy way
Robert Johnson tries to play the blues in his own style at the crossroads.
Said it to the Devil, said it's taking its toll
Implies that the pursuit of musical success comes with a personal cost or toll.
So the Devil gave him rhythm and he took his soul
Robert Johnson makes a deal with the devil, exchanging his soul for musical talent.
That's the situation, trouble is his goal
Reiterates the tendency of this mysterious figure to incite trouble.
Never underestimate him
Advises against underestimating this figure despite his apparent limitations.
The Devils got rhythm but he ain't got soul
Restates the lack of depth or genuine emotion despite musical talent.
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