"Me and the Devil" is a song by Gil Scott-Heron, a renowned American soul and jazz poet, musician, and author. The song was released in 1971 as part of his album "Pieces of a Man." The lyrics portray a narrative of the narrator encountering the devil early in the morning. When the devil knocks on the narrator's door, the narrator greets him with the phrase "Hello Satan, I believe it's time to go." This suggests that the narrator is willing to make a deal or join forces with the devil. The following line, "Me and the Devil walking side by side," implies a twisted companionship between the narrator and the devil. The narrator expresses his intention to see his woman until he feels satisfied, seemingly implying a sinful or hedonistic desire. The song continues with the narrator addressing someone who seems to be treating him unjustly. He questions why people mistreat him and suggests that it may be due to an evil spirit that has possessed him. The lyrics then take a darker turn as the narrator mentions being buried down by the highway side. This line symbolizes the narrator's indifference towards his final resting place, indicating that he does not care about where he is buried after death. The concluding lines, "So my old evil spirit can greyhound bus that ride," suggests that the narrator's evil spirit will continue to wander and trouble others even after he is gone. Overall, "Me and the Devil" explores themes of temptation, companionship with evil, and the consequences of one's actions. It portrays a conflicted character seeking gratification and experiencing the repercussions of dealing with sinister forces.
