They have released one studio album: Devil on the Loose (2016).
The band formed in 2014 when Erik N and Pontus were living in Malmö. They invited Erik J, who was living in Stockholm, to come visit them in Malmö for some jam sessions. Soon after, the trio borrowed some microphones, went back to their hometown and spent the summer in a wooden cabin, writing and recording what would be their debut album, Devil on the Loose.
The bands raw blues rock sound draws from classic blues legends like Robert Johnson, the raw style of R. L. Burnside and modern artists as The Black Keys, Gary Clark Jr. and BRMC
Better Man
Black River Delta Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I never had no place to go
I joined the Devil on my right
He said to rob and steal tonight
I don't believe I can, be a better man
I went down where the water sings
I went to see what it would bring
And point me to a good mans ways
I don't believe I can, be a better man
Who knows what I have planned to do
Who knows if I could see it through
Have I already sold my soul
Oh, when the Devil took control
I don't believe I can, be a better man
The song "Better Man" by Black River Delta is a reflective piece about a man who finds himself at a crossroads in life. The singer has been down a "sad mans road," likely referring to a path of self-destructive behavior that has led him to question whether he can be a better person. The Devil appears as a character, tempting him to "rob and steal tonight," but the singer finds himself unable to go through with it.
The second verse sees the singer seeking redemption by going to a place where "the water sings." He appears to be searching for a way to wash away his past mistakes and find a "good mans ways." However, despite his efforts, he still finds himself unable to change his ways and become a "better man."
The lyrics evoke a sense of inner turmoil and conflict within the singer, as he struggles to break free from the grip of his past mistakes and the influence of the Devil. The song ultimately leaves open the question of whether the singer will be able to overcome these obstacles and become the "better man" he yearns to be.
Line by Line Meaning
As I went down a sad mans road
I found myself on a lonely, hopeless path
I never had no place to go
I felt lost and without direction
I joined the Devil on my right
I made a deal with the dark forces
He said to rob and steal tonight
He tempted me to commit immoral acts
I don't believe I can, be a better man
I doubt my ability to change and become virtuous
I went down where the water sings
I sought solace by the soothing waters
I went to see what it would bring
I hoped to find redemption and guidance
Now, could it wash my sins away
I questioned whether water could cleanse my soul
And point me to a good mans ways
And lead me towards moral principles
Who knows what I have planned to do
I am uncertain of my own intentions
Who knows if I could see it through
I question my ability to follow through with my plans
Have I already sold my soul
I wonder if I have already made a deal with the Devil
Oh, when the Devil took control
When temptation overcame me
I don't believe I can, be a better man
I still doubt my ability to change for the better
Writer(s): Pontus Ohlsson, Erik Jacobs, Erik Nilsson
Contributed by Ava L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.