Grant Lee Buffalo has an Americana-tinged sound, clearly influenced by the likes of Neil Young and elements of old-fashioned country music, and often tackled political and social issues in their lyrics (for example, "Lone Star Song" from Mighty Joe Moon references the infamous Waco siege). They toured with major bands of the early-to-mid 1990s such as R.E.M., Pearl Jam and the Smashing Pumpkins.
Demon Called Deception
Grant Lee Buffalo Lyrics
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It's alright he's a treating me quite well
I'm in tight with a demon called Deception
He's right beside me when I fail
To whisper words like brother nothin' here is any good
See the birds they're a dropping like a star Wormwood
And all I wanted was a little patch of green
And in the fields till I sing a prisoner's song
Well Deception whistles right along
Right along
Charlie sang for a pocket full of pills
While Deception was a clickin' his high heels
We're in tight playing seven one night stands
And Deception made me as I am
As I am
As I am
As I am
As I am
I'm in tight
I'm in tight
I'm in tight
Truth is I'm in tight
I barely saw the light
Just as it kicked in
Something saved my skin
Something saved my skin
The song "Demon Called Deception" by Grant Lee Buffalo is a haunting tune about a man who is in cahoots with a demon named Deception. The lyrics depict the singer as being somewhat comfortable with his arrangement with Deception, noting that he treats him well and is "right beside" him when he fails. The song gives the sense that the singer is stuck in a cycle of deception and addiction, with lines like "Charlie sang for a pocket full of pills" and "We're in tight playing seven one night stands." The lyrics suggest that the singer is aware of the negative effects of his decisions, as when he says "See the birds they're dropping like a star Wormwood," which is a reference to the Book of Revelations and its descriptions of the end of the world.
Though the meaning of the song is somewhat ambiguous, it could be interpreted as a reflection on addiction and the many forms it can take. The singer seems to be caught up in a cycle that he can't break from and is somewhat resigned to his situation. The refrain "I'm in tight" is repeated throughout the song, highlighting the sense of being trapped and unable to escape. However, the final lines suggest that the singer is at least somewhat aware of his situation and is trying to make a change. "Something saved my skin" seems to indicate a sense of hope or salvation, though it's unclear what that might be.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm in tight with a demon called Deception
I am in a close relationship with a demon called Deception
It's alright he's a treating me quite well
Despite being a demon, Deception treats me well
He's right beside me when I fail
Whenever I fail, Deception is beside me
To whisper words like brother nothin' here is any good
Deception whispers pessimistic words, saying nothing good is in reach
See the birds they're a dropping like a star Wormwood
Birds are falling from the sky like in the Book of Revelation
And all I wanted was a little patch of green
All I wanted was a simple life surrounded by nature
We were peasants and the cotton was our king
We were poor farmers, and cotton was our main source of income
And in the fields till I sing a prisoner's song
I sing about being trapped in poverty while working in the fields
Well Deception whistles right along
Deception enjoys my misery and joins in on the singing
Charlie sang for a pocket full of pills
Charlie sings for drug money
While Deception was a clickin' his high heels
Deception is amused and enjoys the situation
We're in tight playing seven one night stands
We are traveling and playing seven one-night shows in a row
And Deception made me as I am
Deception played a hand in shaping who I am today
Truth is I'm in tight
The truth is I am in a close relationship with Deception
I barely saw the light
I was blind to the truth
Just as it kicked in
Just as I was starting to see the truth
Something saved my skin
Something helped me avoid the worst consequences of my actions
Something saved my skin
Something helped me avoid the worst consequences of my actions
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