Although known primarily as a singer, May also plays the bodhrán, guitar and tambourine. Described as "a unique vocal talent," May is known for her musical style of rockabilly revival and has also been compared to female jazz musicians such as Billie Holiday.
Born in Dublin, the youngest of five children, she fell in love with rockabilly at the age of nine, though was also exposed to a range of musical styles, from Irish traditional music to Elvis Presley. She now specialises in rockabilly, singing her own material and covers. Her debut album with Blue Harlem was No Turning Back, which was followed by Swing Street, and Talk to Me. Her first solo release was Love Tattoo.
May has shared the stage with Alison Moyet, Dionne Warwick, Bryan Ferry, Anastasia, The Supremes, Sister Sledge, Scissor Sisters, Matt Bianco, Elvis Costello, Jools Holland, Elton John, and Jeff Beck.
Dealing With the Devil
Imelda May Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
When it came to a marriage, he did not do a thing
I've been dealin' with the devil
I've been dealin' with the devil
I've been dealin' with the devil
My baby don't love me no more
I got the meanest man, Lord, you've ever seen
I've been dealin' with the devil
I've been sleepin' with the devil
I've been dealin' with the devil
My baby don't love me no more, no no no, no oh
I know my baby, man he wants to jump and shout
When he tramples up, I took him on out
I've been dealin' with the devil
I've been dealin' with the devil
I've been dealin' with the devil
My baby don't love me no more
I ain't goin' down that way by myself
I can't take it baby, come on take someone else
I've been dealin' with the devil
I've been sleepin' with the devil
I've been dealin' with the devil
My baby don't love me no more, no, no
I've been dealin' with the devil
My baby don't love me no more, oh oh oh
I've been dealin' with the devil
My baby don't love me no more, no, no, oh
Dealin' with the devil
My baby don't love me no more, no, no, oh
The lyrics of Imelda May's song "Dealing With the Devil" revolve around a relationship that has gone sour. The singer speaks of her partner's lack of commitment and how she has been dealing with someone who resembles the devil himself. The lyrics suggest that her partner was eager to propose and expressed interest in getting married, but when it came to following through, he did nothing. The singer then goes on to describe her current partner as the "meanest man" with a knife in his hand, further highlighting the negative nature of the relationship.
The phrase "dealin' with the devil" is repeated throughout the song, suggesting that her partner is the devil in her life. She also mentions that she has been sleeping with the devil, which could mean that she has been knowingly or unknowingly entertaining her partner's evil ways. However, she seems to have reached a breaking point and is unable to continue down this path by herself.
Overall, the song paints a picture of a tumultuous relationship filled with broken promises and negativity. The singer seems to be at the end of her rope with this situation and is ready to take a stand for herself.
Line by Line Meaning
My baby was excited about the wedding ring
My partner appeared to be eager about getting married and having a lifelong commitment with me.
When it came to a marriage, he did not do a thing
However, when it came down to actually getting married and making that commitment, my partner did nothing to make it happen.
I've been dealin' with the devil
As a result of my partner's lack of commitment and the struggles in our relationship, I have been faced with difficult and trying situations.
I've been dealin' with the devil
I have been facing challenges that are similar to dealing with the devil himself.
I've been dealin' with the devil
The tough situations I am facing in my life and relationship feel like a continuous and unrelenting battle, as if I am dealing with the devil himself.
My baby don't love me no more
Sadly, the lack of effort and commitment from my partner has resulted in him no longer loving me.
I got the meanest man, Lord, you've ever seen
My partner is now very cruel and causes me a lot of pain and confusion.
Got a knife in his hands when he pops up and screams
My partner is so unpredictable and volatile that it feels like he has a knife and is ready to use it whenever he gets angry or upset.
I've been sleepin' with the devil
As a result of my partner's cruelty and my struggles dealing with difficult situations, I have become intimately acquainted with hardship and pain.
I've been dealin' with the devil
As I persevere through these struggles, it feels like I am wrestling with the devil himself.
My baby don't love me no more, no no no, no oh
My partner's lack of love for me has caused me significant emotional pain and heartache.
I know my baby, man he wants to jump and shout
I understand that my partner desires to have fun and be wild and free.
When he tramples up, I took him on out
However, when he gets too out of control and causes more harm than good, I have to remove him from my life.
I ain't goin' down that way by myself
Despite the challenges I am facing, I am determined to not face them alone.
I can't take it baby, come on take someone else
However, I am also acknowledging that the devilish situations I am facing are too difficult for me to handle on my own and I need help from someone else.
Dealin' with the devil
Overall, the song is about the difficulties and struggles that come with dealing with tough situations and people, specifically relating to a failed and painful relationship.
My baby don't love me no more, no, no, oh
The repeated refrain emphasizes the pain and heartache that comes with the end of a relationship and the lack of love from a partner.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Eddie Floyd, Steve Cropper
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind