"What's A Devil To Do?" by Harley Poe is a song that explores the internal struggle between good and evil, as well as the concept of sin and redemption. The song's lyrics delve into the perspective of a character who was born from an angel but has been tempted by their darker instincts. The song begins by describing how the character was raised by their angelic mother, who taught them about what they should not do and see. However, as they grow older, their destiny emerges, and they find themselves unable to resist their darker inclinations. The character acknowledges that their actions may lead to consequences, cautioning against biting the hand that feeds them. The lyrics suggest that the character's inclination towards evil "permeates all through their bones," indicating that they have fully embraced their sinful nature. They proclaim that they will let their cup of sin overflow, metaphorically implying that they will fully indulge in their transgressions. The narration takes a darker turn as the character confesses to shooting a man just for the thrill of it, feeling no remorse when their mother asks if it pleased them. The character grapples with their conflicting beliefs, acknowledging that Jesus died for humanity's salvation, but wonders what a devil like them is meant to do. They express their rebellion against societal rules and expectations, making it clear that they were not made to be a compliant "robot." They proudly identify themselves as the one "goat that got away" but anticipate eventual punishment for leading themselves astray. The lyrics continue to wrestle with the deeper meaning of their existence. The character sees themselves as a work of art, created but from a place of evil. They acknowledge that if evil is planted, evil shall grow within them. The song reflects on the internal struggle between good and evil, questioning the character's own agency and the consequences they will face. In the chorus, the character contemplates their absence when the saints go marching in, symbolizing their departure from righteousness due to their love for sin. They question whether they are truly as bad as others perceive them to be and recall a time when they could still see hope and dreams. Despite not being a wealthy individual, they acknowledge the blessings bestowed upon the poor. The character pleads for forgiveness but asserts their decision to stay on their own chosen path, accepting the consequences they must bear. Overall, "What's A Devil To Do?" delves into the internal struggle of a character torn between their angelic origins and their embrace of sin. It explores themes of temptation, morality, redemption, and the complexities of human nature.
