Dealin
James Cotton Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

I used to live with the whiskey
And the good time and the ladies of the night
Then the whiskey took control
Left me waltzing with the witches in my mind

But imaginary bottles won't be everywhere
To haunt me like before
'Cos I'm not dancing with those demons
I'm not dealing with that devil anymore

So, go to sleep, my weary lady
Heaven knows you've done your chore
You were sent here just to save me
I'm not dancing with those demons
I'm not dealing with that devil anymore

It don't matter where you came from
All I know is that you gave me back my pride
You reached out your hand and saved a man
Who strayed about as far as he could slide

And you probably came from heaven
Who else could've sent you but the Lord
I'm not dancing with those demons
I'm not dealing with that devil anymore

So, go to sleep, my weary lady
Heaven knows you've done your chore
You were sent here just to save me
I'm not dancing with those demons
I'm not dealing with that devil anymore

Yeah, go to sleep, my weary lady
Heaven knows you've done your chore
You were sent here just to save me
I'm not dancing with those demons
I'm not dealing with that devil anymore, yeah

Yeah, go to sleep, my weary lady
Heaven knows you've done your chore
You were sent here just to save me




And I'm not dancing with those demons
I'm not dealing with that devil anymore

Overall Meaning

In James Cotton's song "Dealing with the Devil," the artist sings about a past life filled with alcohol, women, and dealing with the devil. He acknowledges that his addiction to whiskey had taken control of him, causing him to dance with witches within his own mind. However, he escaped the clutches of his demons with the help of a woman sent from heaven. This woman saved him from eternal damnation and the constant struggle with his addiction. Now, the singer can proudly say that he is no longer dealing with the devil and can rightfully refuse any temptation that may arise.


The lyrics of "Dealing with the Devil" can be interpreted as a story of redemption and the possibility of finding help in the darkest of times. It is a powerful message that reminds listeners that no matter how lost they may feel, there is always a way out, and there is always someone who cares enough to help them.


Line by Line Meaning

I used to live with the whiskey
In the past, I was closely associated with drinking alcohol.


And the good time and the ladies of the night
I used to enjoy my life by spending time with women and having fun.


Then the whiskey took control
However, alcohol started controlling me and my actions.


Left me waltzing with the witches in my mind
It got so bad that I was constantly tormented by unpleasant thoughts or fears


But imaginary bottles won't be everywhere
Although I still struggle with my addiction, I know that my mind is playing tricks on me.


To haunt me like before
I won't allow my past struggles to control my future.


'Cos I'm not dancing with those demons
I have made a strong decision to not let my past struggles haunt me anymore.


I'm not dealing with that devil anymore
I won't let my addiction control my life any longer.


So, go to sleep, my weary lady
I want you to rest and recover from all the hard work you have done.


Heaven knows you've done your chore
You have helped me to overcome my addiction and I am eternally grateful to you.


You were sent here just to save me
I believe that you were a gift from God to help me with my struggles.


It don't matter where you came from
I don't care where you come from or what you have done in the past.


All I know is that you gave me back my pride
You taught me to stand tall and be proud of myself again.


You reached out your hand and saved a man
You helped me through my darkest moments and rescued me from my addiction.


Who strayed about as far as he could slide
I had gone to the bottom of the pit and was struggling to get back up.


And you probably came from heaven
I believe that you were an angel sent from above to help me.


Who else could've sent you but the Lord
I truly believe that it was God's will for us to meet and for you to help me.


And I'm not dealing with that devil anymore
Thanks to you, I have finally overcome my addiction and I am free.


Yeah, go to sleep, my weary lady
Rest and recover, you have done so much for me.


I'm not dancing with those demons
I am no longer controlled by addiction and temptation.




Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: SONNY BOY WILLIAMSON

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found

More Versions