Currently, the group comprises singer and harmonica player John Popper, guitarist Chan Kinchla, drummer Brendan Hill, bassist Tad Kinchla and keyboardist Ben Wilson. Tad Kinchla and Ben Wilson joined the band following the death of original bassist Bobby Sheehan in 1999.
While Blues Traveler is best known among fans for their improvisational live shows, the general public is most familiar with the group from their Top 40 singles "Run-Around" and "Hook". They gained mainstream popularity after their fourth studio album four, released in 1994. Sheehan's death and Popper's struggle with obesity put a damper on the group's success, and A&M dropped the band in 2002.
Devil In The Details
Blues Traveler Lyrics
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You're standing on the shoreline but all is lost on you
For your mind is heavy and it seems your ship has sailed
You try to see the big picture but the Devil's in the details
It starts with a knock at the door
And once more
Thriving within the mistake
Twisting the meaning he seems
To come clean
Devil in the details
Hope is like a house with the porch light on
Even the dark keeps moving towards the dawn
They'll try to tear a good man down just to watch him fail
And they'll do it with a smile cause the Devil's in the details
It starts with a knock at the door
And once more
Thriving within the mistake
He elaborates
Twisting the meaning he seems
To come clean
Devil in the details
It starts with a knock at the door
And once more
Thriving within the mistake
He elaborates
Twisting the meaning he seems
To come clean
Devil in the details
It starts with a knock at the door
And once more
Thriving within the mistake
He elaborates
Twisting the meaning he seems
To come clean
Devil in the details
It starts with a knock at the door
And once more
Thriving within the mistake
He elaborates
Twisting the meaning he seems
To come clean
Devil in the details
The lyrics of Blues Traveler's song "Devil In The Details" convey a theme of deception and manipulation. The repetition of the phrase "It starts with a knock at the door" signifies the beginning of a situation where someone is being deceived. The song emphasizes that often, the true intentions or hidden agendas are not immediately apparent. The opening lines, "The sea is wide as the sky is blue, You're standing on the shoreline but all is lost on you," depict a sense of being overwhelmed and disconnected from reality.
The lines "For your mind is heavy and it seems your ship has sailed, You try to see the big picture but the Devil's in the details" suggest that despite attempting to understand the greater context or broader perspective, the singer struggles due to the presence of deception. It implies that the devil, symbolizing deceit and manipulation, resides in the intricate and unnoticed aspects of a situation.
The chorus emphasizes the constant presence of deception: "Thriving within the mistake, He elaborates, Twisting the meaning he seems, To come clean, Devil in the details." It suggests that the one perpetrating the deception thrives within the mistakes made by others, elaborating on falsehoods and distorting the truth to appear trustworthy. The repetition of this chorus throughout the song reinforces the idea that deception is pervasive and difficult to escape.
Overall, "Devil In The Details" presents a cautionary tale about the dangers of overlooking the small, seemingly insignificant details that can harbor hidden agendas and deceitful intentions.
Line by Line Meaning
The sea is wide as the sky is blue
The scope of life's possibilities is vast and limitless.
You're standing on the shoreline but all is lost on you
Despite being present in the moment, you are not fully aware or engaged.
For your mind is heavy and it seems your ship has sailed
Your thoughts are burdened and it appears that missed opportunities are behind you.
You try to see the big picture but the Devil's in the details
Although you strive to understand the overall perspective, it is the small intricacies that deceive and cause trouble.
It starts with a knock at the door
Trouble begins with a subtle intrusion or disturbance.
And once more
Repeatedly, without fail.
Thriving within the mistake
Flourishing amidst errors or missteps.
He elaborates
The Devil expands and embellishes upon the flaws or problems.
Twisting the meaning he seems
Manipulating the interpretation, he appears deceitful.
To come clean
Attempting to appear sincere or honest despite the deception.
Hope is like a house with the porch light on
Hope is a beacon, inviting positivity and brightness into life.
Even the dark keeps moving towards the dawn
Even in the midst of darkness, there is a natural progression towards a brighter future.
They'll try to tear a good man down just to watch him fail
There are individuals who aim to undermine a virtuous person's success for their own amusement or satisfaction.
And they'll do it with a smile cause the Devil's in the details
These individuals will derive pleasure from their harmful actions, as they understand the power of subtle, manipulative tactics.
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: RON SEXSMITH, JOHN POPPER, CHANDLER KINCHLA
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind