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.
