Devil In Disguise
J.J. Cale Lyrics


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From the California shore to New York City
The beat don't never stop
You can hear it on the radio anywhere you go
It's steady as the rhythm of a clock
It cuts through the noise of the city life
It won't seem to go away
It's the devil in disguise I tell you no lies
My fingers do the walking everyday

Yonder comes a young girl she wants to take a whirl
She thinks it's all a dream
She got rock and roll way down in her soul
She wants to know where's the limousine
Get up honey let your mama sit down
You're too young anyway
The devil in disguise give her the prize
Then you can carry her away
When the road I travel starts to unravel

Every which way it goes
The beat starts to press on my bullet proof vest
And my high turns out to be low
Give me my guitar I'm going to go far
Let me see it let me hold it in my hand




I'm the devil in disguise I tell you no lies
I'm playing in a rock 'n roll band

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of J.J. Cale's song "Devil In Disguise" describe the omnipresent nature of rock music, which can be heard from coast to coast in the US, as well as its power to inspire and take control of those who listen to it. The first verse suggests that rock music is ubiquitous and inescapable, with its beat providing a constant presence throughout the country. Despite this, the second verse introduces a young girl who is still excited by the possibility of experiencing rock and roll, asking where the limousine is. The devil in disguise is the thrill of this new world and the prize is the chance to be in it. The final verse details the singer's own experience with rock and roll, as he attempts to escape the pressures of daily life through music. He asserts that he is the devil in disguise, implying that he is the one in control when he plays his guitar and performs in his band.


Overall, the lyrics of "Devil In Disguise" highlight the dual nature of rock music: it can be simultaneously exciting and dangerous, inspiring and overwhelming. The song captures the spirit of rock and roll, while also acknowledging its power to influence and even possess those who listen to it.


Line by Line Meaning

From the California shore to New York City
The song is played everywhere in the US from West coast to East coast


The beat don't never stop
The song's rhythm is continuous and consistent


You can hear it on the radio anywhere you go
The song is played by radio stations nationwide


It's steady as the rhythm of a clock
The song's rhythm is reliable and palpable


It cuts through the noise of the city life
The song stands out among the hustle and bustle of city life


It won't seem to go away
The song is persistent and prevalent


It's the devil in disguise I tell you no lies
The song's popularity is extraordinary and surprising


My fingers do the walking everyday
The singer plays the song regularly with fondness


Yonder comes a young girl she wants to take a whirl
A young girl is interested in listening and enjoying the song


She thinks it's all a dream
She finds it hard to believe the song's popularity and significance


She got rock and roll way down in her soul
The girl has a passion for rock and roll music


She wants to know where's the limousine
She desires a luxurious lifestyle that comes with being a musician


Get up honey let your mama sit down
The singer encourages her to dance and enjoy the song


You're too young anyway
The singer cautions her that she is still too young for the lifestyle


The devil in disguise give her the prize
The song leads young people into the glamorous yet dark world of rock and roll


Then you can carry her away
The fame will get him the girl he desires


When the road I travel starts to unravel
When his career falters


Every which way it goes
Whenever there's an obstacle in his path


The beat starts to press on my bullet proof vest
The song's rhythm gives him the courage and confidence to carry on


And my high turns out to be low
His excitement falters


Give me my guitar I'm going to go far
He uses his music to overcome his struggles and reach for success


Let me see it let me hold it in my hand
He finds solace in playing his guitar to overcome hardships


I'm the devil in disguise I tell you no lies
The fame and addiction to rock and roll can lead to unseemly behavior


I'm playing in a rock 'n roll band
He is a musician performing rock and roll music




Lyrics Β© BMG Rights Management
Written by: J.J. CALE

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@davidmesser5813

True love was written all over the face of Christene Lakeland. You could tell she adored her husband JJ. She was just radiant around him, and JJ lives on in her heart and music. Beautiful. Vaughn

@edithalemm2604

SchΓΆn das zu erfahren, bin neu hier und war beeindruckt vom blick dieser frau zu jj caleπŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚β€β€β€

@martinforrester8249

Well said, true love.

@jrgentrset5070

The guitarist over all guitarists.β™₯️

@larryross1819

It's truly a delight to watch this video, over and over again, just to see Christine and the looks she gives JJ, what a beautiful and happy lady and what a lucky man.

@tereasaross2826

Were they a couple

@danielmalo173

I beleive so! And in love too, like each of us should be, and this world would run much better.
Merci Christine, oui c'est tout une belle expression qui nous est offert pour tout ceux qui aime la musique, de votre homme JJ et votre accompagnement tout autant splendide.
Longue vie Γ  vous Christine,
Beautiful et encore merci,
Daniel

@larryross1819

@@tereasaross2826 36 years together, wow!

@ninihelenebaastad285

Yeah! Nice to Listen to And Watch Such Good and Friendly Musicians Having A Good TIME Together ,All of Them πŸ˜‰

@alteradler

πŸŽΈπŸŽΈπŸŽΈπŸ‘

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