24 Songs About the Devil, from Sympathy for the Devil to Devil Inside

What is the most famous song about the devil?

"Sympathy for the Devil" by The Rolling Stones is the most famous song about the devil, told from his own point of view. "The Devil Went Down to Georgia" by The Charlie Daniels Band is the country classic about a fiddle contest with the devil, and "Cross Road Blues" by Robert Johnson started the legend of selling your soul at the crossroads.

Rock and metal songs about the devil

1. "Sympathy for the Devil", The Rolling Stones: the devil introduces himself.
2. "Friend of the Devil", Grateful Dead: a folk-rock song about life on the run.
3. "Devil Gate Drive", Suzi Quatro: a stomping 70s glam rock hit.
4. "Runnin' with the Devil", Van Halen: the opener of their first album.
5. "Highway to Hell", AC/DC: a song about life on the road.
6. "The Number of the Beast", Iron Maiden: inspired by a nightmare.
7. "Shout at the Devil", Mötley Crüe: an 80s metal anthem.
8. "To Hell with the Devil", Stryper: a Christian metal answer to the rest.
9. "Devil Inside", INXS: about the devil in everyone.
10. "Devil's Haircut", Beck: a 90s alternative favorite.

Blues and country songs about the devil

11. "Cross Road Blues", Robert Johnson: the song behind the crossroads legend.
12. "Me and the Devil Blues", Robert Johnson: a haunting 1937 blues.
13. "The Devil Went Down to Georgia", The Charlie Daniels Band: a fiddle duel for a golden fiddle.
14. "The Devil's Right Hand", Steve Earle: a story song about a gun.
15. "Devil Town", Daniel Johnston: a strange, sad little song.
16. "Long Black Train", Josh Turner: a warning about temptation.
17. "Devil's Backbone", The Civil Wars: a haunting folk duet.

Oldies about devilish love

18. "Devil or Angel", Bobby Vee: a 1960 love song.
19. "Little Devil", Neil Sedaka: a cheeky early 60s hit.
20. "(You're the) Devil in Disguise", Elvis Presley: a sweet-looking heartbreaker.
21. "Devil in Her Heart", The Beatles: a cover from their second album.
22. "Devil with a Blue Dress On", Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels: a high-energy medley.
23. "Devil Woman", Cliff Richard: a 1976 hit about a dangerous woman.
24. "Hell", Squirrel Nut Zippers: a swing revival song with a wink.

The legend of the crossroads

The most famous devil story in music is the legend of Robert Johnson, the blues guitarist who was said to have sold his soul to the devil at a crossroads in Mississippi in exchange for his talent. There is no evidence it happened, but his songs "Cross Road Blues" and "Me and the Devil Blues" kept the story alive, and it has inspired musicians and filmmakers ever since.

Devil songs that were first recorded by others

Several of these hits were covers. "Devil with a Blue Dress On" was first recorded by Shorty Long before Mitch Ryder turned it into a rock medley, "Devil or Angel" was a hit for The Clovers years before Bobby Vee, and The Beatles learned "Devil in Her Heart" from a record by The Donays.

Why are there so many songs about the devil?

The devil is the ultimate villain, which makes him a great character in a song. Blues and country songs use him to talk about temptation and hard choices, rock bands use him for drama and rebellion, and oldies use him as a playful way to describe a heartbreaker. Many of these songs are really about the struggle between right and wrong.

The story behind The Devil Went Down to Georgia

Released in 1979, "The Devil Went Down to Georgia" tells the story of a young fiddler named Johnny who bets his soul against the devil's golden fiddle. The song became a number one country hit and crossed over to the pop Top 10, and its fiddle battle is still a favorite at live shows.

Songs about the devil for Halloween

For a Halloween party, "Sympathy for the Devil", "Highway to Hell" and "Devil Inside" add a dark rock edge, while "Devil with a Blue Dress On" and "Hell" keep the dance floor fun. See our songs about witches and songs about vampires for more.

Devil songs for a band or karaoke night

For a cover band or karaoke night, "The Devil Went Down to Georgia" is a showstopper if you have a fiddler, "Sympathy for the Devil" lets the whole crowd join in, and "Devil with a Blue Dress On" is impossible to sit still through.

Devil songs with a message of faith

Some of these songs are really about choosing faith over temptation. "Long Black Train" by Josh Turner and "To Hell with the Devil" by Stryper are popular with Christian listeners. For more, see our songs about God.

A song for your favorite little devil

For the troublemaker you love most, a personalized song can be cheeky and funny: their name, their best mischief and the stories your family still laughs about, in a rock, country or jazz style. It makes a fun birthday gift for a friend with a wild streak.

How to create a personalized song

1. Choose a style from 14 genres: rock, country, jazz and more.
2. Add their name.
3. Share three funny stories about them.
4. Review the lyrics and edit or regenerate them for free before any music is made.
5. Listen to 4 free 45-second previews and choose your favorite.

The full 3 to 4 minute song costs $24.99, or $29.99 for Premium with four full versions and editable lyrics. You get the MP3, a gift page and the lyrics as a PDF.

Give your favorite troublemaker a song: create a song and hear four previews for free.