The Devil Went Down To Georgia

Words & Music:

Charlie Daniels

 

Dm

The devil went down to Georgia, he was lookin' for a soul to steal.

He was in a bind 'cause he was way behind and he was willing to make a deal.

When he came across this young man sawing on a fiddle and playing it hot.

Dm                                                         Am     C        Dm

And the devil jumped up on a hickory stump and said, "Boy, let me tell you what,"

 

"I guess you didn't know it, but I'm a fiddle player, too.

And if you'd care to take a dare, I'll make a bet with you.

Now you play pretty good fiddle, boy, but give the devil his due.

I bet a fiddle of gold against your soul 'cause I think I'm better than you."

 

The boy said "My name's Johnny and it might be a sin.

But I'll take your bet and you're gonna regret, 'cause I'm the best that's ever been."

 

Dm                                C

Johnny, you rosin up your bow and play your fiddle hard.

       G                                     Dm

'Cause Hell's broke loose in Georgia and the Devil deals the cards.

    Dm                            C

And if you win you get this shiny fiddle made of gold.

    A                      Dm        C

But if you lose, the Devil gets your soul

 

INSTRUMENTAL OVER:  Dm   C   Bb   Am   G   F   Dm   Am   C   Dm

 

The devil opened up his case and he said, "I'll start this show."

And fire flew from his fingertips as he rosined up his bow.

And he pulled the bow across the strings and it made an evil hiss.

Then a band of demons joined in and it sounded something like this:

 

INSTRUMENTAL OVER:  Dm    F    C    Bb

 

When the devil finished Johnny said, "Well you're pretty good, old son.

But, sit down in that chair right there and let me show you how itŐs done."

 

CHORUS:

D                                        C

Fire on the mountain, run boys run!  The Devil's in the house of the rising sun!

D                                            C

Chicken in the bread pan pickin' out dough.  Granny does your dog bite?  No, child, no!

 

INSTRUMENTAL OVER:  Dm    C    Bb    Am    G    F    Dm    Am    C    Dm

 

The Devil bowed his head because he knew that he'd been beat.

And he laid that golden fiddle on the ground at Johnny's feet.

Johnny said "Devil, just come on back if you ever want to try again.

But I told you once, you son of a bitch, I'm the best that's ever been."

 

CHORUS:

 





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