“Devil Woman” by Marty Robbins is one of those unforgettable country classics that showcases Robbins’ exceptional storytelling and vocal prowess. Released in 1962, the song quickly became a hit, climbing to the top of the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and peaking at No. 16 on the Billboard Hot 100, a rare feat for a country song at the time. This success solidified Robbins’ place as one of the era’s premier country artists and further demonstrated his ability to craft songs that resonate deeply with audiences.
At its core, “Devil Woman” is a tale of heartache, betrayal, and emotional turmoil. The song tells the story of a man who finds himself caught in the web of a manipulative woman, whom he refers to as a “devil woman” for the pain and suffering she has caused him. The narrator feels torn between this destructive love and the woman who truly loves him, creating a powerful emotional conflict. The repeated refrain, “Devil woman, let me be,” expresses his desperation to break free from her grip, even as he feels himself being drawn back in.
The song’s narrative is full of vivid imagery, painting a picture of temptation, regret, and the struggle between good and evil influences. Robbins’ vocal performance heightens the emotional intensity of the lyrics, his rich, velvety voice filled with a sense of urgency and longing. The way he expresses the torment of being trapped in a toxic relationship is what gives “Devil Woman” its staying power—it’s a song about a deeply personal experience, yet one that resonates universally.
Musically, “Devil Woman” blends traditional country elements with a hint of Latin influence, particularly in its rhythm and guitar work. This fusion adds a unique flavor to the song, setting it apart from other country hits of the time. The song’s infectious melody and driving beat make it easy to sing along to, even as the lyrics deal with darker, more complex emotions. Robbins had a knack for creating songs that were as musically engaging as they were emotionally deep, and “Devil Woman” is a prime example of that talent.
The themes in “Devil Woman”—of love, temptation, and betrayal—are timeless, which is part of why the song has endured for so long. Whether it’s the emotional weight of the lyrics or the catchy melody, there’s something about this song that continues to draw listeners in, even decades after its release. It’s a song that taps into a universal human experience: the pain of loving someone who’s not good for you, and the struggle to break free from that toxic cycle.
For Marty Robbins, “Devil Woman” was another milestone in a career full of them. Known for his versatility, Robbins was able to effortlessly shift between genres, including country, rock, and even Hawaiian music. “Devil Woman” highlighted his ability to tell a compelling story through song, a talent that had already been on display in hits like “El Paso” and would continue to be a defining feature of his work.
The song also cemented Robbins’ reputation as a master of the country ballad, a genre where storytelling is key. “Devil Woman” follows the tradition of country songs that explore personal pain and heartbreak, but Robbins’ distinctive voice and style elevate it to something more—an iconic piece of American music history.
In conclusion, “Devil Woman” by Marty Robbins remains a powerful and emotionally charged song that continues to resonate with audiences today. Its combination of vivid storytelling, Robbins’ impeccable vocal delivery, and its unique blend of country and Latin influences make it a timeless classic. As the song narrates the torment of a man trapped in a toxic relationship, Robbins captures the complexity of human emotion, creating a piece that’s both deeply personal and universally relatable.
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
I told Mary about us
I told her about our great sin
Mary cried and forgave me
Then Mary took me back again
Said if I wanted my freedom
I could be free ever more
But I don’t want to be
And I don’t want to see
Mary cry anymore
Oh, devil woman
Devil woman, let go of me
Devil woman, let me be
And leave me alone.
I want to go home.
Mary is waitin’ and weepin’
Down in our shack by the sea
Even after I’ve hurt her
Mary’s still in love with me
Devil woman it’s over
Trapped no more by your charms
‘Cause I don’t want to stay
I want to get away
Woman let go of my arm
Oh, devil woman
Devil woman, let go of me
Devil woman, let me be
And leave me alone
I want to go home
Devil woman, you’re evil
Like the dark coral reef
Like the winds that bring high tides
You bring sorrow and grief
You made me ashamed to face Mary
Barely had the strength to tell
Skies are not so black
Mary took me back
Mary has broken your spell
Oh, devil woman
Devil woman, let go of me
Devil woman, let me be
And leave me alone
I want to go home
Runnin’ along by the seashore
Runnin’ as fast as I can
Even the seagulls are happy
Glad I’m comin’ home again
Never again will I ever
‘Cause another tear to fall
Down the beach I see
What belongs to me
The one I want most of all
Oh, devil woman
Devil woman, don’t follow me
Devil woman let me be
And leave me alone
I’m goin’ back home