Friend of the Devil
Grateful Dead
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I lit up from Reno I was trailed by twenty hounds Didn't get to sleep that night Till the morning came around I set out running but I'll take my time A friend of the Devil is a friend of mine If I get home before daylight I just might get some sleep tonight I ran into the Devil, babe He loaned me twenty bills I spent that night in Utah In a cave up in the hills I set out running but I take my time A friend of the devil is a friend of mine If I get home before daylight I just might get some sleep tonight I ran down to the levee But the Devil caught me there He took my twenty dollar bill And he vanished in the air I set out running but I take my time A friend of the Devil is a friend of mine If I get home before daylight I just might get some sleep tonight Got two reasons why I cry Away each lonely night The first one's named sweet Anne Marie And she's my heart's delight Second one is prison, baby The sheriff's on my trail And if he catches up with me I'll spend my life in jail Got a wife in Chino, babe And one in Cherokee First one says she's got my child But it don't look like me I set out running but I take my time A friend of the Devil is a friend of mine If I get home before daylight I just might get some sleep tonight Got two reasons why I cry Away each lonely night The first one's named sweet Anne Marie And she's my heart's delight Second one is prison, baby The sheriff's on my trail And if he catches up with me I'll spend my life in jail Got a wife in Chino, babe The one in Cherokee The first one says she's got my child But it don't look like me I set out running but I take my time A friend of the Devil is a friend of mine If I get home before daylight I just might get some sleep tonight
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Written by: Jerome J. Garcia, John C. Dawson, Robert C. Hunter
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
12 facts about this song
Band FormationThe Grateful Dead, who performed "Friend of the Devil," is an American rock band formed in 1965 in Palo Alto, California.
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Song Popularity"Friend of the Devil" is among the Grateful Dead's most popular songs.
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Album InclusionThe song is included on the Grateful Dead's fifth studio album, "American Beauty," released in 1970.
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Songwriters"Friend of the Devil" was written by Jerry Garcia, John Dawson, and Robert Hunter. Hunter wrote the lyrics while Garcia and Dawson collaborated on the melody.
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Song InspirationRobert Hunter reportedly wrote the lyrics in London in 1970 in just 20 minutes. The song then took form when Jerry Garcia composed the melody.
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Different VersionsThere are two versions of "Friend Of The Devil" - the original on "American Beauty," an upbeat acoustic number, and a slower version Garcia started playing in the late '70s.
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Cover Versions"Friend of the Devil" was widely covered by other artists, with perhaps the most well-known version being a 2000 cover by Counting Crows.
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Unique StorylineThe song tells the story of a man who is on the run and being pursued for his criminal activities. It can be interpreted that the "friend of the devil" in the song could be a metaphor for living life on the edge.
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Live Performances"Friend of the Devil" was frequently performed in the Grateful Dead's concert rotation and was well-loved by fans.
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Musical StyleThe song is known for its folk and country-inspired sound, which marked a shift from the psychedelic rock the Grateful Dead was known for in the 60s.
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Spooky FolkloreSome fans associate the song with American folklore, specifically the legend of the character who makes a deal with the devil and loses.
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Acoustic ExcellenceThe tune prominently features Garcia on acoustic guitar and is lauded for its intricate and melodic guitar work.
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"Friend of the Devil Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 5 Jun 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/34277662/Grateful+Dead/Friend+of+the+Devil>.
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