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Introduction
Have you ever felt torn between doing what you know is right and giving in to temptation? That’s exactly the emotional struggle Alan Jackson captures in his powerful ballad “Between the Devil and Me.” Released in October 1997 as the fifth single from his album “Everything I Love,” this song resonates with anyone who’s ever faced an internal moral battle.
The Story Behind the Song
Written by the talented duo Harley Allen and Carson Chamberlain (who also penned the album’s title track), “Between the Devil and Me” wasn’t just another country tune—it was a profound exploration of human nature. The song peaked at #2 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, only behind Martina McBride’s “A Broken Wing,” proving its deep connection with listeners.
What makes this song special isn’t just its commercial success but how it tackles universal themes through Jackson’s authentic delivery. Keith Stegall’s production perfectly complements the emotional weight of the lyrics, creating a mid-tempo ballad that, as Stephen Thomas Erlewine of Allmusic noted, maintains Jackson’s “true country spin and heart” despite touches of “modern country” sounds.
A Deeper Meaning
At its core, “Between the Devil and Me” explores the age-old battle between temptation and love. The narrator finds himself at a crossroads, with the “devil” representing all the wrong choices and destructive paths available to him. What keeps him grounded? The love of someone special who becomes his moral compass—the person he sees “through the smoke” when temptation surrounds him.
Entertainment Weekly critic Alanna Nash observed that Jackson made the song “throb with anxiety,” capturing the tension of this internal struggle. The imagery of “gates of hell swinging open” juxtaposed with the safety found in his lover’s arms creates a powerful contrast that speaks to our own experiences with moral dilemmas.
The Legacy
Nearly three decades after its release, “Between the Devil and Me” remains one of Jackson’s most thoughtful compositions. It showcases his ability to tackle complex emotional themes while maintaining the authentic country sound that made him a legend. The song reminds us that in our darkest moments of temptation, sometimes love is the light that guides us back to the right path.
Whether you’re a longtime Alan Jackson fan or discovering this gem for the first time, “Between the Devil and Me” offers a musical journey through the complexities of human nature—one that feels as relevant today as it did in 1997.
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Lyrics
This world can take you by the hand
And tempt the soul of any man
You can choose your path
There’s two roads you can take
One way is right and one is wrong
The flesh is weak
But love is strong
And she’s all I see between the Devil and me
The gates of Hell swing open wide
Inviting me to step inside
I’ll be your friend
He calls again, I know it’s him
The flames are spreading everywhere
Through the smoke I see her there
She’s all I see, between the Devil and me
I hold her in my arms at night
So safe and warm I close my eyes
And a cool breeze blows ‘cross our bodies in the dark
Outside her reach is my concern
Somewhere I know the fire burns
She’s all I see, between the Devil and me
The gates of Hell swing open wide
Inviting me to step inside
I’ll be your friend
He calls again, I know it’s him
The flames are spreading everywhere
Through the smoke I see her there
She’s all I see between the Devil and me
The gates of Hell swing open wide
Inviting me to step inside
She’s all I see, between the Devil and me