“The Devil Went Down to Georgia” is a country rock song performed by The Charlie Daniels Band. Released in 1979, the song quickly became one of the band’s most iconic and successful tracks. Written by Charlie Daniels, “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” tells the story of a fateful encounter between the devil and a talented young fiddler named Johnny. The devil challenges Johnny to a fiddle-playing contest, wagering a golden fiddle against Johnny’s soul. The song describes the intense musical battle that ensues as Johnny faces off against the devil, ultimately triumphing and retaining his soul. The song is characterized by its lively fiddle playing, electrifying guitar riffs, and spirited vocals by Charlie Daniels. The narrative-driven lyrics and catchy melody helped propel “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” to the top of the charts, earning it widespread acclaim and recognition. “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” became The Charlie Daniels Band’s biggest hit, reaching number three on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and earning a Grammy Award for Best Country Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group in 1980. With its unique blend of country, rock, and Southern charm, “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” remains a beloved classic in the country music genre. Its catchy chorus and memorable storytelling have made it a staple of radio playlists, concert performances, and pop culture references for decades.
Well, the Devil went down to Georgia, he was looking for a soul to steal
He was in a bind, ’cause he was way behind, he was willing to make a deal
When he came across this young man sawing on a fiddle and playing it hot
And the Devil jumped up on a hickory stump, said, “Boy let me tell you what
You probably didn’t even know it, but I’m a fiddle player too
And if you care to take a dare, I’ll just make a bet with you
Now you play pretty good fiddle boy, but give the Devil his due
I’ll bet a fiddle of gold against your soul, I think I’m better than you”
The boy said, “My name’s Johnny and it might be a sin
But I’m gon’ take your bet, you’re gonna regret, I’m the best there’s ever been”
Johnny risen up you bow and play your fiddle hard
‘Cause hell’s broke loose in Georgia and the Devil deals the cards
And if you win you’ll get this shiny fiddle made of gold
But if you lose the Devil gets your soul
The Devil opened up his case, and he said, “I’ll start this show”
And fire flew from his finger tips as he rosined up his bow
And he pulled the bow across the strings, and it made an evil hiss
Then a band of demons joined in, and it sounded something like this
But when the Devil finished, Johnny said, “You know you’re pretty good old son
But you just flap down in that chair right there, I’m gonna show you how it’s done”
Fire on the mountain, run, boys, run
The Devil’s in the house of the rising sun
Chicken in the breadpan, picking out dough
Granny, does your dog bite? No, child, no
Well, that old Devil bowed his head because he knew that he’d been beat’
And he laid that golden fiddle down on the ground at Johnny’s feet
Johnny said, “Devil, come on back if you ever want to try again
I done told you once, you son of a gun, I’m the best there’s ever been”
He played fire on the mountain, run, boys, run
The Devil’s in the house of the rising sun
Chicken in the breadpan a’picking out dough
Granny, does your dog bite? No, child, no