Runnin' with the Devil
John Cowan Band Lyrics


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I live my life like there's no tomorrow
And all I've got I had to steal
Least I don't need to beg or borrow
Yes, I'm living at a pace that kills
Runnin' with the devil
Runnin' with the devil
I'll tell y'all about it
I found the simple life ain't so simple
When I jumped out on that road
I got no love, no love you'd call real
Ain't got nobody waiting at home
Runnin' with the devil
God damn it lady, you know I ain't lying to ya
I'm wanna tell you one time
Aah-yeah
Running with the devil
Yes I am
Yeah

Woo
Woo

You know I, I found the simple life, weren't so simple, no
When I jumped out on that road
Got no love, no love you'd call real
Got nobody waiting at home
Runnin' with the devil
Runnin' with the devil




Runnin' with the devil
Runnin' with the devil

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to John Cowan Band's song "Runnin' with the Devil" depict a life of fast living, stealing and running from the law, all in pursuit of pleasure and freedom. The singer of the song, who possibly lives a life of crime or a vagabond existence, declares that he lives as though there is no tomorrow, with all that he has, he had to steal. But he is happy with his lot because at least he doesn't have to beg or borrow. The song portrays a restless, ungrounded and risky life with a sense of urgency that comes from the feeling of being on borrowed time, as if death is right around the corner.


The lines "Runnin' with the devil, God damn it lady, you know I ain't lying to ya, I'm wanna tell you one time..." suggest that the singer might be trying to convince a lady, or perhaps anyone who would listen, that he is living the high life and has no regrets, even though the path he has chosen is fraught with dangers. The repetition of the phrase "Runnin' with the devil" emphasizes the theme of living dangerously, making choices that could have serious consequences.


Overall, the song can be interpreted as a portrayal of the desire for freedom and escape from the constraints of society, morality, and authority. The singer may have chosen to live life on his terms, even if it means risking everything.


Line by Line Meaning

I live my life like there's no tomorrow
I choose to live in the moment and not worry about the future.


And all I've got I had to steal
I have had to resort to theft to obtain what I need.


Least I don't need to beg or borrow
At least I am not begging or borrowing from others for what I need.


Yes, I'm living at a pace that kills
I am living life at a dangerous and reckless pace.


Runnin' with the devil
I am engaging in risky and dangerous activities.


I'll tell y'all about it
I am willing to share the details of my dangerous lifestyle.


I found the simple life ain't so simple
I have learned that a simple life is not as easy as it seems.


When I jumped out on that road
When I took the path I am currently on.


I got no love, no love you'd call real
I do not have any genuine or meaningful relationships.


Ain't got nobody waiting at home
I do not have anyone waiting for me when I return home.


God damn it lady, you know I ain't lying to ya
I am telling the truth and expect to be believed.


I'm wanna tell you one time
I want to stress the importance of what I am saying.


Aah-yeah
An expression of enthusiasm or agreement.


Running with the devil
Engaging in dangerous, reckless behavior.


Yes I am
Affirming that I am indeed running with the devil.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ALEX VAN HALEN, EDWARD VAN HALEN, DAVID ROTH, MICHAEL ANTHONY

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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