Kris Kristofferson – The Silver Tongued Devil and I

About the song

“The Silver Tongued Devil and I” by Kris Kristofferson is a classic country song that delves into the internal conflict between a man’s better nature and his darker impulses. Released in 1971 as the title track of his second album, The Silver Tongued Devil and I, the song presents a compelling narrative of a man battling with his own demons, symbolized by the “silver-tongued devil.” The song is a mixture of storytelling and self-examination, reflecting Kristofferson’s ability to tackle complex emotions and themes of moral struggle in a raw, authentic manner.

In the song, the “silver-tongued devil” represents the man’s darker side—his charm, wit, and ability to manipulate others, particularly women, for selfish gain. This persona is smooth-talking and seductive, capable of convincing others (and himself) that he’s more virtuous than he truly is. The opening line, “I took myself down to the Tally Ho Tavern / To buy me a bottle of beer,” immediately sets a scene of a man entering a place of temptation, foreshadowing the internal battle that will unfold.

As the song progresses, Kristofferson weaves a tale of a man who is fully aware of his flaws, yet feels powerless to change. The devil inside him is seductive and persuasive, encouraging behavior that he knows is wrong, but is too weak to resist. This duality is central to the song’s message, as the protagonist acknowledges his actions but distances himself from accountability by attributing them to the “devil” within. This is exemplified in the lines: “And the silver-tongued devil just slipped from the shadows / And smiled as he said, ‘You’re a wreck.’”

The song paints a picture of moral ambiguity, where the man is not entirely evil but deeply flawed. He understands the consequences of his actions—particularly how they hurt others—but continues down the same path because of his inability to break free from his own destructive tendencies. This internal struggle between good and bad, morality and temptation, is one of the core themes in Kristofferson’s songwriting, making this track resonate on a deeply emotional and philosophical level.

Musically, “The Silver Tongued Devil and I” has a traditional country-folk sound, with acoustic guitar and Kristofferson’s distinctive gravelly voice leading the way. The melody is simple but evocative, allowing the lyrics to take center stage. There’s a melancholic feel to the music, which perfectly mirrors the introspective nature of the song. The laid-back arrangement contrasts with the heavy subject matter, creating a sense of quiet reflection rather than outright despair.

The chorus, “The silver-tongued devil and I / I know just what he’s doin’ / But I can’t seem to stop him tonight,” captures the essence of the protagonist’s conflict. He’s aware of his actions and the harm they cause, but feels powerless to resist the allure of the “devil” within him. This sentiment of self-awareness coupled with helplessness is something many listeners can relate to, making the song both personal and universal in its exploration of human frailty.

“The Silver Tongued Devil and I” is often seen as a commentary on the human condition—on the way people rationalize their bad decisions and struggle with the darker parts of their personality. It’s a song about self-deception, the excuses people make for their behavior, and the internal conflicts that come with trying to be a better person. The devil in the song isn’t an external force but an internal one, representing the choices people make when faced with temptation and moral weakness.

In the context of Kristofferson’s career, “The Silver Tongued Devil and I” is one of his signature songs, showcasing his talent for blending poetic lyricism with raw emotional honesty. Unlike many country songs of the time that dealt with straightforward tales of heartache or love, this track dives deeper into psychological and moral complexity, giving it a timeless appeal. Kristofferson’s storytelling style, combined with his introspective lyrics, elevates the song into something more than a traditional country ballad—it’s a meditation on the human soul.

The song’s honesty and vulnerability have helped it remain a fan favorite over the decades. It encapsulates a central theme in Kristofferson’s work: the idea that we are all flawed, struggling with our own devils, and often failing in the process. Yet, through this failure, there is a deeper understanding of who we are and what it means to be human.

“The Silver Tongued Devil and I” is a powerful exploration of inner conflict, temptation, and self-awareness. It’s a song that resonates deeply with anyone who has ever wrestled with their own shortcomings and tried, however unsuccessfully, to rise above them.

Video

Lyrics

“The Silver Tongued Devil And I”