Black River Delta is a bluesrock band originating from Bollnäs, Sweden. The… Read Full Bio ↴Black River Delta is a bluesrock band originating from Bollnäs, Sweden. The group consists of Erik Jacobs (vocal, guitar), Pontus Ohlsson (guitar, harmonica), and Erik Nilsson (vocal, drums).

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

Devil on the Loose
Black River Delta Lyrics

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there's a devil on the loose she said
surely heaven won't forgive me
the man I loved have past away she said
and it's all because of me

I can hear him through the forest
it's been our home for fifty years
the man I love have past away she said

and it's all because of me

the last words he spoke was wisdom
and while I drove for ninety miles
then he went down too the basement
and it was where he took his life

there's a devil on the loose she said
surely heaven won't forgive me
the man I loved have past away she said
and it's all because of me

if I'll give my heart tomorrow
will the heavens let me in
though he struggled hard with his cancer oh
I live my life to honor him

there's a devil on the loose she said
surely heaven won't forgive me

the man I loved have past away she said
and it's all because of me

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to "Devil on the Loose" by Black River Delta speak of a woman's guilt and grief over the loss of her loved one, who has passed away from cancer. She believes that her actions may have contributed to his death and that there is a devil on the loose that is haunting her for her mistake. She expresses remorse for not being able to save her partner and fears that heaven may not forgive her.

The song is narrated in the first person, and the lyrics are filled with vivid imagery of the forest and the basement where her partner took his own life. The woman speaks of the last words of wisdom that her loved one spoke before his death, and how she drove for ninety miles to escape the guilt and pain of his passing. The chorus repeats the theme of a devil on the loose, and the woman's fear of not being able to find redemption or forgiveness for her actions.

Overall, "Devil on the Loose" is a haunting and emotive song that explores the complex emotions of guilt, grief, and regret that are often associated with the loss of a loved one. The lyrics reflect the deep pain and sorrow that the woman feels over her partner's death, and her desperation to find peace and forgiveness in the face of her own perceived mistakes.

Line by Line Meaning

there's a devil on the loose she said
The singer acknowledges that there is an entity or force of evil present, as it has been affecting their life.

surely heaven won't forgive me
The singer feels immense guilt and believes that they will not be granted forgiveness by their deity or higher power.

the man I loved have past away she said
The singer's significant other has died.

and it's all because of me
The artist blames themselves for their loved one's death.

I can hear him through the forest
The artist has senses or intuitions that allow them to perceive the presence or essence of their dead loved one.

it's been our home for fifty years
The singer and their loved one have lived together in the same place for a long time.

the last words he spoke was wisdom
Before dying, the singer's loved one said something of great importance or knowledge.

and while I drove for ninety miles
During a long drive, the artist reflects on their loved one's wisdom and the path that led to their death.

then he went down too the basement
The artist's loved one entered a particular room, most likely in their home.

and it was where he took his life
The room that the loved one entered was also the location where they committed suicide.

if I'll give my heart tomorrow
The singer contemplates whether offering their love or being kind to others in the future will grant them peace or absolution for their loved one's death.

will the heavens let me in
The artist questions whether their actions and thoughts will allow them entrance into heaven.

though he struggled hard with his cancer oh
The singer's loved one experienced a grueling illness, causing them to suffer.

I live my life to honor him
The singer strives to live their life in a way that respects and recognizes their loved one's memory.

Contributed by Christian W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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