NB. It does NOT appear on the "Ramblin' Gamblin' Man" album, which was released in 1968, 2 years earlier.
Many Seger fans consider this to be one of Seger's best. Ben Edmonds, in his review of Mongrel, called "Lucifer" "easily the strongest cut on the record, and a great song in its own right. It's simple, straightforward rock: the band (especially the organ) shows a clear comprehension of the song's rhythmical movement." The Bob Seger System performed this song on the TV show Upbeat.
Lucifer
The Bob Seger System Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Checkin' all the hen houses out along the way
Wastin' time and drinkin' wine
Life is short and I ain't lyin'
Livin' all I can through every day
You can call me Lucifer
If you think you should
Now I know I'm good
Everynight I'm barrelhousin' till the moon is low
Shoutin' blues and payin dues and throwin' way my dough
Ramblin', gamblin', lovin', shovin', probably won't end up with nothin'
But at least I'll reap the seeds I sow
You can call me Lucifer
If you think you should
Now I know I'm good
Funky water farmers daughter gonna make the law
Lucy Blue, Chicago Green, I'll love 'em till they thaw
Courtin' all the lovely foxes, brunette, redheads, goldi locks
Talkin' time to grind my crosscut saw
You can call me Lucifer
If you think you should
Now I know I'm good
In "Lucifer," the Bob Seger System presents a vivid picture of a hopeful, laid-back hedonist coming to grips with his own character. He's traversing the countryside on the "grey snakes," likely trains, and investigating the hen houses, taking in everything along the way. He recognizes life's shortness, though he's enjoying it to the best of his abilities. The singer acknowledges that he could be called Lucifer, a name alluding to the devil, but he exudes self-assurance that he is indeed good.
We see the singer immersing himself in a variety of activities in the second verse of the song. Every night, he's in a bar, drinking and singing the blues until the small hours of the morning. He's a wanderer, gambler, lover, and fighter all in one, and he knows that he might ultimately have nothing to show for it in the end. However, he adds that he'd at least reap what he sows. In the final verse, the song describes the singer's passion for women in vibrant colors, from Lucy Blue to Chicago Green. Blonde, brunette, and redhead "lovely foxes" all surround him, giving him plenty of options. He's so devoted to his womanizing lifestyle that he's talking about his moves while grinding a saw.
Line by Line Meaning
Cruisin' on the grey snakes till my dyin' day
I plan on traveling on the highways until I pass away
Checkin' all the hen houses out along the way
I am always exploring and looking for new experiences
Wastin' time and drinkin' wine
I spend my time and money on things that bring me enjoyment
Life is short and I ain't lyin'
Life is brief and I'm being honest about living my best life while I can
Livin' all I can through every day
I take advantage of every day to the fullest extent possible
You can call me Lucifer
You may call me by this name if it suits you
If you think you should
Now I know I'm good
I have confidence in myself and my actions
Everynight I'm barrelhousin' till the moon is low
I'm having a blast every night and partying until the late hours
Shoutin' blues and payin dues and throwin' way my dough
I express myself through music and pay the price for my lifestyle with my hard-earned money
Ramblin', gamblin', lovin', shovin', probably won't end up with nothin'
I indulge in travel, gambling, sex, and fighting, even though it may not result in any tangible accomplishments
But at least I'll reap the seeds I sow
I will gain the benefits of my choices, whether or not they lead to traditional success
Funky water farmers daughter gonna make the law
I am drawn to unconventional, unique women who can hold their own
Lucy Blue, Chicago Green, I'll love 'em till they thaw
I have had relationships with women from various backgrounds and will continue to love them until they warm up to me
Courtin' all the lovely foxes, brunette, redheads, goldi locks
I flirt with and pursue attractive women with different hair colors
Talkin' time to grind my crosscut saw
I'm taking the time to work on my skills and improve myself
Contributed by Miles Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@rickhibdon11
That right there is one of his very finest songs... ever! This is the kind of music we grew up with in southern Michigan in the 60's
@debradillard315
Can't believe i forgot Lucifer. Grew up listening to him on a transitor radio tied on to my bike with the antenna sticking out between the handle bars. Moved to rural Alabama and alot of people tried to get me this listen to this new guy. It was Seger singing Night Moves. I started laughing a friend had sent me the album when came out. I put it on my stereo then started pulling out my old 45's and albums. We listen to Seger the rest of the night. Needless to say ever time anyone came to my house that is what they wanted to hear. Will die loving Seger!!!!!!!
@surferbri5346
Don Webster and UPBEAT! , recorded in Cleveland and picked up in over 100 markets, always had top notch talent
@ericzaneshow3835
The legs on this song are unreal. It flat out rocks by any year's standards.
@johnshields6852
1975 I was 15 and saw Bob in Boston for 3 yrs in a row, 76,77, they were so tight and experienced ny then, what a show, and not because I was tripping.
@diannclemens6847
Love him and his music!!!! He was such a kick ass performer!!!! This has always been my fav song by home. As many of his concerts I've been to I only heard him do it live once at Pine Knob. He always gave his all at his concerts. I lived in Ann Arbor for many years. I bought my bookcase in a store there that has since closed. After I bought the the owner of the store told me Bob Seger had bought the same bookcase there.
@alondathomas293
What's always tripped me out about Seger's early songs was that he was barely out of his teens when he started making records, but he always sounded so much mature for his age. You'd assume a much older dude was doing these tunes, and then you see this mop-haired young dude tearing these songs up like an old pro. That must have really surprised folks back in the day,lol.!
@tylerkasuboski3366
Well said! I totally agree. A born pro with pure soul.
@harolddavis9677
Off the album titled Mongrel. This record was one of many reasons I have been a life long fan. Bob Seger is what one wishes all rock legends were, a solid person and great player who has delivered for 50 fucking years. I'd bet there's not a phony bone in his body. Thank You Bob!
@rickhibdon11
@@harolddavis9677 Yep. Just a teenage kid... but he always sounded prefect live! Unlike nearly every other band..