The Devil To Pay
Johnny Cash · Other Songs - Johnny Cash
See how long you can go on from man to man
I can read the lines between your stolen glances
And I know it's time to fold this loosing hand
'Cause you're drawn to the flame by the thrill and the shame
Of the cheatin' game they taught you how to play
You've got nothing to lose but your soul girl
And you've only the devil to pay
You've been flying so high you don't know
That you're blind to the writin' on the wall
But some day you'll look down
And you'll find you've got no place to fall
When the bright lights're gone you'll be standing alone
Forsaken in the naked light of day
Then you'll know that it's all over but the dying
And you've still got the devil to pay
Join your friends while you got 'em
'Cause you know they're gettin' fewer every day
You can't wait to let them take you to the bottom
And I'm gettin' tired of standin' in your way
But when you hit the ground don't come looking around
For the pieces of the love you threw away
That's the price of the high life you're livin'
And you still got the devil to pay
You've been flying so high
The Devil To Pay
Johnny Cash's 'The Devil To Pay' stands as a haunting centerpiece in his discography, reflecting the deep well of American folk and country storytelling he mastered. Recorded during a period where his voice carried the weight of social commentary and personal introspection, the track exemplifies his ability to blend traditional acoustic arrangements with a brooding, atmospheric production style. The song draws upon the rich literary tradition of the American South, exploring themes of moral ambiguity and the inevitability of fate. As part of his broader catalog of works that defined the outlaw country genre, the recording showcases Cash's signature vocal delivery, characterized by its gravelly texture and emotional vulnerability. It remains a significant song in his body of work, resonating with listeners who appreciate the raw, unpolished authenticity that defined his musical legacy.