When it comes to themes in country music, the devil is getting his due. From Jelly Roll’s “Halfway to Hell” to Lainey Wilson’s “Devil Don’t Go There,” it seems that Satan is enjoying a moment in the spotlight. And why not? Our favorite country stars are known for their storytelling, and who better to stir the lyrical pot than Old Scratch himself?
The past pandemic has brought the devil out of many country artists, giving them plenty of material to work with. The forced downtime led to some soul-searching and existential musings. As Ashley Gorley, co-writer of “I Am Not Okay,” pointed out, “It’s showing up in people’s writing” because the devil just makes for a solid metaphor for life’s struggles and temptations.
Mitchell Tenpenny’s collaboration with metal band Underoath on “Demon or Ghost” adds a rock flair to the devilish theme, while Jon Pardi’s Medusa-like heroine in “Friday Night Heartbreaker” manifests the theme of hellish allure. Even Jackson Dean’s “Heavens to Betsy” throws a shoutout to the eternal battle between good and evil. Nostalgia and current events collide as more artists channel their inner Louvin Brothers to tackle tough themes.
Eric Church might well be the modern pied piper for the devil’s thematic resurgence, dragging ‘Lucy Fur’ and a 40-foot inflatable devil along on tour. His influence on today’s superstars is clear, and it seems the devilish inspiration isn’t going anywhere soon. So, buckle up, country fans – it’s going to be a devilishly good ride!
