"Friend of the Devil" is a song by the American rock band Grateful Dead, released in 1970. The lyrics tell a story of a man who is being pursued by various troubles in his life, including the devil himself. The song begins with the narrator leaving Reno, Nevada, and being followed by hounds, suggesting that he is constantly on the run. He mentions not being able to sleep until morning, implying the restlessness and danger he faces. As the story progresses, he encounters the devil who lends him money, and he spends a night in a cave in Utah. Despite the troubles, he takes his time and enjoys the company of the devil, hence the line "A friend of the devil is a friend of mine." This suggests that the narrator is not necessarily in a good place morally, but he aligns himself with those who understand his lifestyle. However, the devil takes advantage of the narrator, stealing his money and vanishing into thin air when they meet at the levee. This betrayal serves as a reminder that even those who seem friendly can turn deceitful. The reasons for the narrator's turmoil become clear in the later verses. He mentions two reasons for his sad nights. The first is a woman named Anne Marie, who brings him joy and happiness. The second is the constant threat of imprisonment. The sheriff is on his trail, and if caught, he faces a life behind bars. The narrator further reveals that he has a wife in Chino and another in Cherokee. The first wife claims to have his child, but he doubts its legitimacy, suggesting infidelity and complicated relationships. This additional layer of personal entanglements amplifies the challenges he faces. Despite all the troubles and uncertainty, the narrator remains resilient, taking his time and not rushing through life's challenges. He hopes to make it home before daylight to finally get some rest. The song portrays a sense of a perpetual struggle and the consequences of a life on the run. It explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the acceptance of one's dark choices. Overall, "Friend of the Devil" captures the essence of the band's signature style of storytelling through vivid imagery and metaphors.
