The Devil Went Down to Georgia

The Devil Went Down to Georgia is a country song written and performed by the Charlie Daniels Band and released on their 1979 album Million Mile Reflections.

Related Topics:
Charlie Daniels Band - 1979 - Million Mile Reflections

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The song is a narrative about the devil, who comes to Georgia in desperation and "willin' to make a deal." He spies a young fiddle player named Johnny, who calls himself "the best that's ever been", and challenges him to a fiddle-playing contest. The terms are that if Johnny should win the contest, he will get a fiddle made of gold, but should he lose, he will forfeit his soul. The devil performs with the backing of a demon band, but is squarely beaten by the more talented Johnny. In the end, Johnny gets his golden fiddle.

Related Topics:
The devil - Georgia - Fiddle

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The narrative is derivation of the traditional Faustian tale, in which a mortal is tempted by the Devil for the price of his soul. While Faust sees through the folly of the Devil's contract, Johnny squarely defeats the devil, introducing a modern twist on the morality lesson. "The Devil Went Down to Georgia," however, highlights those same morality lessons, demonstrating that a Faustian bargain is never fully closed.

Related Topics:
Faustian - Contract - Morality lesson

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In a rarity for country music, the verses are closer to being spoken rather than sung. Satan's and Johnny's performances are played as instrumental bridges during the song.

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A sequel to the song, "The Devil Went Down to Georgia," was recorded by Daniels and fiddle player Mark O'Connor in 1993, featuring guest performances by Travis Tritt, Marty Stuart and Johnny Cash.

Related Topics:
Mark O'Connor - Travis Tritt - Marty Stuart - Johnny Cash

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The song has been covered many times down the years, including versions by Sublime, Primus, and Pomeroy. A hip-hop adaptation entitled "The Devil Came Up to Michigan" was released in 1991 by KMC Kru.

Related Topics:
Sublime - Primus - Pomeroy - Hip-hop - 1991 - KMC Kru

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The Devil's bargain was adopted by the Robot Devil in TV's Futurama, in episode "Hell is Other Robots."

Related Topics:
Robot Devil - Futurama - Hell is Other Robots

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The song was also parodied in "The Devil Went Down to Jamaica." In this version, The Devil and Johnny engage in a weed smoking contest.

Related Topics:
Jamaica - Weed

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