Whisky You're The Devil
Bella Hardy Lyrics


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Oh now brave boys, you're marching off to foreign wars
Drums a' beating, banners flying
The Devil, tonight my home you'll see
Love fare thee well

Oh, whisky you're the devil, you're leading me astray
Over hills and mountains and to Americay
You're sweeter, stronger, decenter than any man my way
Whisky you're my darling drunk or sober

If you've no taste for whisky, let wormwood steal your soul
If you're looking for false hearted girls
The Devil, tonight my home you'll see
Love fare thee well

The sea's too full of witchcraft, you'll sooner sink than swim
But if you reach the furthest shore
The Devil, tonight my home you'll see
Love fare thee well

They say new friends are silver, and old friends they are gold
But when your friends have drunk you dry




The Devil, tonight my home you'll see
Love fare thee well

Overall Meaning

The Bella Hardy's song "Whisky You're The Devil" is a traditional Irish folk song that has been interpreted and performed by many artists over the years. The lyrics of the song are a warning about the dangers of alcohol and the seductive pull of whiskey in particular. The song's opening lines address a group of soldiers marching off to war, their spirits buoyed by the sound of drums and flying banners. However, the singer warns that the devil awaits them upon their return, fueled by the powerful and intoxicating effects of whiskey.


The chorus of the song is a playful ode to whiskey's hold over the singer, acknowledging its sweetness, strength, and alluring nature. The singer is both aware of the dangers of excessive drinking and unable to resist its pull. The second verse includes a warning about the dangers of seeking solace in alcohol, as well as a reference to the traditional belief that the sea is full of witchcraft.


The final verse is a comment on friendship and the negative effects of excessive drinking. The singer warns that when your friends have drunk you dry, the devil will be waiting at home. The song ends on a bittersweet note as the singer bids farewell to love and to the dangers of whiskey.


Line by Line Meaning

Oh now brave boys, you're marching off to foreign wars
You courageous men are embarking on a journey to distant lands to engage in a war


Drums a' beating, banners flying
The sound of percussion instruments and flags waving in the air can be heard as the men march onward


The Devil, tonight my home you'll see
The singer invites the Devil to come to their house for the night


Love fare thee well
An affectionate farewell to a loved one


Oh, whisky you're the devil, you're leading me astray
Whiskey is having a corrupting influence on the artist and guiding them onto a wayward path


Over hills and mountains and to Americay
Whiskey has taken the singer on a journey across different terrains and even to America


You're sweeter, stronger, decenter than any man my way
Whiskey is more appealing and commanding than any man the singer has ever met


Whisky you're my darling drunk or sober
The artist is fond of whiskey both when they are intoxicated and when they are sober


If you've no taste for whisky, let wormwood steal your soul
If someone does not enjoy whiskey, then they should indulge in something that is just as harmful, such as wormwood, a poisonous plant


If you're looking for false hearted girls
The artist implies that whiskey leads people to encounter dishonest women


The sea's too full of witchcraft, you'll sooner sink than swim
The ocean is a mysterious and dangerous place that can submerge you with its enchantments


But if you reach the furthest shore
However, if you can successfully journey to the end of a voyage


They say new friends are silver, and old friends they are gold
A common expression that means new friendships may be valuable, but old ones are priceless


But when your friends have drunk you dry
When your companions have consumed all of your liquor


The Devil, tonight my home you'll see
Once again, the singer invites the Devil to their house for the night


Love fare thee well
The artist, once again, bids a loving farewell to their loved one




Writer(s): Bella Hardy

Contributed by Joshua H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

Dalton Wildwood Adventures

This version rocks!

Glyn Birchall

Cracking voice ..love it .

angelstouch

This song is fantastically catchy. :D

HJD

Reminds me of the best of Pentangle....great sound..

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