Some would call it fate. Others might chalk it up to coincidence. Either wa… Read Full Bio ↴Some would call it fate. Others might chalk it up to coincidence. Either way, the story of Texas Renegade’s genesis seems more than random—and their new album, “Bad Dreams and Other Things,” proves the union was meant to be. Consider this. Twins Tyson and Eli Carver, who were born in the Texas Hill Country town of Wimberley, moved to Durango, Colo., at age 14. That same year, Andy Bertelsen and Kasey Klepfer moved with their respective families to Wimberley. When the twins graduated high school, the lure of their hometown tugged them back—when a friend introduced them to their future bandmates, their course was set. The Carvers and Bertelsen formed Texas Renegade in 2002; Klepfer joined in 2004, and drummer Luke Ayres came on in 2007. Except for Ayres, it’s the only band any of them have been in (unless you count Bertelsen’s stint playing snare in his elementary-school band). In Texas Renegade—the moniker their first guitarist bestowed on them at a high-school party—Bertelsen handles lead vocals, songwriting and guitar. Mandolinist/guitarist/backing vocalist Tyson and bassist Eli picked up their instruments at 20 and 19, respectively, after ditching fiddle lessons at age 13. Klepfer taught himself to play harmonica seven years ago, and only Ayres (drums) has played his instrument—or any instrument—consistently since childhood. But they’re hardly a batch of late-bloomers. Bertelsen’s voice, which could earn him honorary Braun brother status in Reckless Kelly, carries the nuances of a practiced, yet intuitive singer. With mandolin and harp as frequent lead instruments and Tyson’s harmonies, Texas Renegade creates a soulful, rootsy country-rock blend that places them squarely in the Americana realm; which is only fitting for a band whose formative influences include the Wallflowers, John Hiatt, Counting Crows, Emmylou Harris, the essential Texans and the classic rock their parents played. “Bad Dreams and Other Things,” their third album, cements their status among talents like The Band of Heathens, Jack Ingram, the aforementioned Reckless Kelly and similar artists who share deep Lone Star roots and hybrid sensibilities. And like many of those artists, they honed their skills under the tutelage of Kent Finlay at Cheatham Street Warehouse in San Marcos, where the Carvers and Bertelsen earned degrees at Texas State University. (Klepfer is a University of Texas grad; Ayres’ degree is from Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene.) Recorded mainly at Top Hat Recording in South Austin and produced by Austin drummer Stephen Belans (James McMurtry, Alejandro Escovedo), who helmed their last release, “After Everything,” it features 12 Bertelsen-penned cuts and guest spots by keyboardist Michael Ramos (BoDeans, John Mellencamp) Dobro player Cindy Cashdollar (Van Morrison, Ryan Adams) and guitarists Gabe Rhodes, Brad Rice and John Sanchez. Filled with smart lyrics and sweet harmonies, “Bad Dreams” stylistically encompasses everything from the harp- and guitar-driven mid-tempo rock of the first single, “Crazy,” to the soulful country-rock of “Coming Home,” the mournful “Comanche Moon” and the heartfelt “St. Christopher,” an acoustic ballad about death that Bertelsen sings with such an ache in his voice, he leaves no doubt about its authenticity. “Every one of my songs has some sort of story behind it,” he notes. “That is to say, every single song stems from some actual event that has occurred. However, the extent can vary considerably from song to song.” Rarely, he admits, does he write a song that’s entirely based in reality. Which is not to say his lyrics aren’t personal—or meaningful. At least some of his inspiration has to come from being so involved in the lives of his bandmates. Bertelsen and the Carvers are also roommates, and all five swear they’re having the time of their lives in the band. “We like to think we have more fun than any other band on the scene right now,” says Tyson. “People always approach us and say they really enjoy the music, but they also enjoy the fact that we are having fun onstage. We are the true definition of a band. Everyone has equal say and we are a family of guys who really care about one another and love to play music together.” Adds Eli, “We have a lot of fun together on the road and have a very laid-back vibe when we’re together. Pretty much anything goes.” “Anything” includes Camp, a fluffy canine described by Tyson as “half Lhasa-apso, a quarter Chihuahua and a quarter wolf,” who has traveled everywhere with the band for two years. “Some people think he has magical powers, but we just think he is the coolest dog in the world,” says Tyson. Adds Eli, “People try to steal him everywhere we go. There is a very good chance he is more famous than we are.” Well, maybe for now. But once people get a chance to hear “Bad Dreams and Other Things,” Camp’s popularity may have to take a back seat to the band’s. He’ll still get to ride in his primo leather captain’s chair, though—unless they graduate to a bus, in which case, he’ll probably get two seats—and his own bunk. Because, like the rest of these guys, he’s a Texas Renegade!

Pay the Devil
Texas Renegade Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

The devil lives in Austin, Texas
He signs his name in 6's, O's, and X's, just like I do.
Goes to work in a suit and tie
Claims to be a pretty good guy, like I do
You know it ain't true

He's got a little place at the top of the stairs,
Short on space, the walls are bare

But there's two little windows where the sun shines through.
While he stares down his nose at the world on the evening news

Oh and I'm just lucky I guess, that he is my good friend
When they lay me down to rest, I will owe my soul to him
But the sweeter part of the deal
That's the rest of my life with you
Baby all I've got to do, I've got to pay the devil his due.

The devil likes his mtv
Swears that he is just like me
He smokes to remind himself of you

And he said "Dear Lord please grant me this prayer"
But it never got him anywhere oh he speaks his mind with a bottle of a wine in his blood
Oh he speaks his mind but he always speaks of love

Oh and I'm just lucky I guess, that he is my good friend
When they lay me down to rest, I will owe my soul to him

But the sweeter part of the deal, that's the rest of my life with you
Baby all I've got to do, I've got to pay the devil his due, the devil his due.

Overall Meaning

The Texas Renegade's song Pay the Devil is a melancholic track that explores the complexities of human relationships and the impact of our actions on our lives. The devil in the song is metaphorical, representing the temptations and vices that we often succumb to as human beings. The lyrics paint a vivid image of the devil as a person living in Austin, Texas, signing his name in 6's, O's, and X's, and going to work in a suit and tie, just like any other person. He may seem like a good guy, but the singer knows that it's not true.

The devil has a little place at the top of the stairs, with two little windows where the sun shines through. As he watches the world on the evening news, the singer recognizes the power that the devil has over him. He's lucky that the devil is his good friend, but he knows that when he lays down to rest, he will owe his soul to him. It's a bittersweet deal, but the rest of his life with his lover makes it all worthwhile. All he's got to do is pay the devil his due.

The song's lyrics are open to interpretation, but it's clear that it's a reflection on the complexities of human relationships and the choices that we make. It's about how temptations can lead us astray, but ultimately, we have to pay the price for our actions. The song also highlights the importance of cherishing the people we love and holding onto them, even when everything else is falling apart.

Line by Line Meaning

The devil lives in Austin, Texas
The negative influences or vices that plague people reside in the city of Austin, Texas.

He signs his name in 6's, O's, and X's, just like I do.
Satan and I embrace similar behaviors and habits, as evidenced by the distinctive way we sign our names.

Goes to work in a suit and tie
Lucifer projects a professional demeanor and appearance, likely to disguise his true malevolence.

Claims to be a pretty good guy, like I do
The devil, like me, attempts to convince others that he is a virtuous or at least decent individual.

You know it ain't true
It is widely known and generally agreed upon that the previous statement regarding Satan's character is in fact false.

He's got a little place at the top of the stairs, Short on space, the walls are bare
The devil dwells in a cramped, unadorned abode situated on a higher level.

But there's two little windows where the sun shines through.
Despite his lowly dwelling, the devil enjoys a glimpse of light and warmth through two small openings in his walls.

While he stares down his nose at the world on the evening news
Satan derives pleasure from looking down upon people and judging them harshly, especially those featured on televised news broadcasts.

Oh and I'm just lucky I guess, that he is my good friend
I consider myself fortunate to have the devil on my side or in my favor.

When they lay me down to rest, I will owe my soul to him
Upon my death, I will be indebted to Satan for some sort of past or ongoing collaboration or conjuring.

But the sweeter part of the deal That's the rest of my life with you
Despite my association with the devil, the most alluring or fulfilling aspect of my existence is my time remaining with my significant other.

Baby all I've got to do, I've got to pay the devil his due.
In order to maintain my current arrangement with the devil, I must fulfill my end of the bargain or repay him in some way.

The devil likes his mtv
As someone who advocates for sin and excess, Satan enjoys consuming popular culture, such as music videos on the television network MTV.

Swears that he is just like me
The devil believes that he and I have many traits and tendencies in common, reinforcing our close relationship.

He smokes to remind himself of you
The devil partakes in tobacco smoking as a means of recollection or homage to my presence or our association.

And he said "Dear Lord please grant me this prayer"
Satan offers a request to God in the form of a prayer or plea.

But it never got him anywhere oh he speaks his mind with a bottle of a wine in his blood
Despite his appeals to a higher power, the devil remains stuck in his ways or unyielding, and resorts to using alcohol to express himself.

Oh he speaks his mind but he always speaks of love
The devil, while often associated with wickedness and cruelty, nevertheless speaks passionately and frequently about the concept of love.

But the sweeter part of the deal, that's the rest of my life with you
Once again, I emphasize that my time with you is the most rewarding and enthralling aspect of my life, despite my dealings with the devil.

Baby all I've got to do, I've got to pay the devil his due, the devil his due.
As I have reiterated previously, it is imperative that I uphold my obligations to Satan, no matter how distasteful or immoral they may seem.

Contributed by Caleb R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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