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Artist/Band: Waylon Jennings
Lyrics for Song: To Beat the Devil
Lyrics for Album: Six Strings Away [Bear Family] [1999]



(Kris Kristofferson)



It was winter time in Nashville

Down on Music City Row

I was lookin' for a place to get

Myself out of the cold

To warm the frozen feelin'

That was eatin' at my soul

And keep the chilly winds off my guitar.



My thirsty wanted whiskey

And my hunger needed beans

But I guess it'd been a month of payday

Since I heard that eagle scream

So with a stomach full of empty

And a pocket full of dreams

I left my pride and stepped inside a bar

Actually I guess you'd call it a tavern

Cigarette smoke to the ceiling

Sawdust on the floor friendly shadows.



I saw that there was just

An old man sittin' at the bar

In the mirror I could see him

Checkin' me and my guitar

He said come up here boy

Show us what you are

I said I'm dry, he bought me a beer

He nodded at my guitar.



Said it's a tough life ain't it

I just looked at him

And he said you ain't

Makin' any money are you

I said you been readin' my mail

He just smiled and said let me see that guitar

I got somethin' you oughta hear

Then he laid it on me.



If you waste your time a talkin'

To the people who don't listen

To the things that you are sayin'

Who do you thinks gonna hear

And if you should die explainin'

How the thing they complain about

Or the things they could be changing

Who do you thinks gonna care.



There were lots of other singers

In the world turned deaf and blind

Who were crucified for what they tried to show

Now their voices have been scattered

By the swirling winds of time

And the truth remains that no one wants to know.



Well, the old man was a stranger

But I'd've heard his song before

Back when failure had me locked out

On the wrong side of the door

No one stood behind me but my shadow on the floor

And lonesome was more than a state of mind



You see the devil haunts a hungry man

And if you don't wanna join him

Well, he's gotta figure out someway to beat him

And I ain't sayin' I beat the devil

But I drink his beer for nothin'

And then I stole his song



You can still hear me singin'

To the people who don't listen

To the things that I am sayin'

Prayin' someone's gonna hear

And I guess I'll die explaining

How the things that they complain about

Are things they could be changin'

Hopin' someone's gonna care.



I was born to be a singer

And I'm bound to die the same

But I've got to feed this hunger in my soul

If I never have a nickel

I won't even die in shame

'Cause I don't believe that no one wants to know...


To Beat the Devil

Waylon Jennings stands as a defining figure in outlaw country, renowned for his deep baritone and rebellious spirit. "To Beat the Devil" captures the gritty narrative style that characterized much of his work during his most prolific years. The track reflects Jennings' ability to blend storytelling with a raw, unpolished musical delivery that resonated deeply with fans of the genre. As part of his extensive discography, the song exemplifies his commitment to authentic country sounds, often featuring sparse arrangements that highlight his vocal power. This recording remains a testament to his enduring influence on American music, showcasing the thematic depth and emotional range that made him a legend. Listeners appreciate the song for its straightforward yet compelling approach to the outlaw aesthetic.


Album Lyrics: Six Strings Away [Bear Family] [1999]


Waylon Jennings
"Six Strings Away [Bear Family] [1999]"


1. Crazy Arms
2. Big D
3. Tomorrow Night in Baltimore
4. Pickin' White Gold
5. Bridge Over Troubled Water
6. I've Got Eyes for You
7. Let Me Stay Awhile
8. These New Changing Times
9. Come Stay With Me
10. Mary Ann Regrets
11. Let Me Tell You My Mind
12. Drivin' Nails in the Wall
13. Long Way Back Home
14. But You Know I Love You
15. World of Our Own
16. Same Old Lover Man
17. One of My Bad Habits
18. Willie and Laura Mae Jones
19. It Should Be Easier Now
20. Do No Good Woman
21. Unsatisfied
22. I Knew You'd Be Leavin'
23. To Beat the Devil
24. Today I Started Loving You Again
25. If You Were Mine to Lose
26. Six Strings Away
27. Lonely Weekends
28. Change My Mind
29. Farewell Party
30. Alone
31. I Lost Me
32. For the Kids
33. Sure Didn't Take Him Long
34. Revelation
35. Delta Dawn
36. Frisco Depot
37. Thanks
38. I Think It's Time She Learned
39. Six White Horses
40. Lovin' Her Was Easier (Than Anything I'll Ever Do)
41. Singer of Sad Songs
42. Sick and Tired
43. Time Between Bottles and Wine
44. Must You Throw Dirt in My Face
45. She Comes Running
46. If I Were a Carpenter
47. Cedartown Georgia
48. Something's Wrong in California
49. Days of Sand and Shovels
50. Come on Home and Sing the Blues to Daddy
51. Mac Arthur Park
52. Cindy Oh Cindy
53. Don't Play the Game
54. Delia's Gone
55. 33rd of August
56. Grey Eyes You Know
57. I May Never Pass This Way Again
58. Sunday Morning Coming Down
59. I'd Be a Legend in My Time
60. Where Love Has Died
61. Yellow Haired Woman
62. I'm Ragged But I'm Right
63. Rock Salt and Nails
64. You'll Look for Me
65. Don't Let the Sun Set on You in Tulsa
66. Casey's Last Ride
67. My God and I