Devil went down to georgia lyrics

“The Devil Went Down to Georgia” lyrics tell a fast-paced, storytelling tale rooted in Southern folklore and country music tradition.The song centers on a high-stakes fiddle contest between the Devil and a confident young musician named Johnny.

Its vivid lyrics mix humor, tension, and pride, showing the classic battle between good and evil.The use of detailed imagery and rapid verses makes the story feel alive and dramatic from start to finish.Overall, the lyrics celebrate skill, courage, and staying true to yourself even when tempted by power or fame.

Song credits 

Credit Type	Details
Song Title	The Devil Went Down to Georgia
Artist / Performer	The Charlie Daniels Band (Charlie Daniels, Tom Crain, Taz DiGregorio, Fred Edwards, Charles Hayward, James W. Marshall)
Songwriters	Charlie Daniels, Tom Crain, “Taz” DiGregorio, Fred Edwards, Charles Hayward, James W. Marshall
Producer	John Boylan
Album	Million Mile Reflections (1979)
Label	Epic Records
Release Date	Originally released May 21, 1979 (single)
Genre	Country / Southern Rock / Bluegrass-influenced
Key Musical Elements	Fiddle duel narrative with spoken-style verses and instrumental bridges

Devil went down to georgia lyrics

Verse 1

Well, 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 up on a hickory stump

Verse 2

And said “Boy, let me tell you what”

“You probably didn’t even know it, but I am a fiddle player too

And if you’d care to take a dare, I’ll just make a bet with you

Now you’re playin’ pretty good fiddle, boy, but give the Devil his due

I’ll bet a fiddle o’ gold against your soul, I think I’m better than you”

The boy said, “My name’s Johnny and it might be a sin

But I’m gon’ take your bet and you’re gonna regret

I’m the best there’s ever been”

Verse 3

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 then he pulled his bow across the strings and it made a evil hiss

And then a band of demons joined in and it sounded something like this

When the Devil finished, Johnny said

“You know, you’re pretty good ol’ son

Verse 4

But you just flop down in that chair right there

I’m gon’ show you how this stuff’s done”

Fire on the mountain, run, boys, run

The Devil’s in the house of the risin’ sun

The chicken in the bread-pan pickin’ out dough

Granny, does your dog bite? No, child, no

Verse 5

Well, that ol’ Devil bowed his head because he knew that he’d been beat

And he laid that golden fiddle down on the ground at Johnny’s feet

Johnny said, “Devil, come on back if you ever wanna try again

I done told you once, you son of a gun, I’m the best there’s ever been”

And he played

Fire on the mountain, run, boys, run

The Devil’s in the house of the risin’ sun

The chicken in the bread-pan pickin’ out dough

Granny, does your dog bite? No, child, no

Frequently Asked Questions about  

What is the main story behind the lyrics?

 The lyrics tell a fictional tale of a fiddle contest between the Devil and a young musician named Johnny, symbolizing a battle between temptation and integrity.

Who is Johnny in the song?

 Johnny represents confidence, talent, and moral strength, standing firm against the Devil’s challenge and refusing to be intimidated.

What does the Devil symbolize in the lyrics?

The Devil symbolizes temptation, greed, and pride, offering material rewards in exchange for Johnny’s soul.

Why is a fiddle contest used in the song?

The fiddle is deeply rooted in Southern and country music traditions, making it a powerful symbol of skill and cultural pride.

Are the lyrics based on a true story?

 No, the song is a fictional narrative inspired by folklore and classic “deal with the Devil” storytelling themes.

Final words 

The lyrics of “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” leave a strong impression through their bold storytelling and Southern charm. They blend humor, confidence, and tension into a fast-moving musical narrative. Each line pulls the listener deeper into the legendary fiddle showdown.

As final words, the lyrics remind us that talent and self-belief can overcome temptation.
Johnny’s victory stands as a symbol of courage and moral strength.
Overall, the song’s lyrics remain timeless, entertaining, and unforgettable.