The song "The Devil I Know" by Joan Armatrading reflects on the complexities and challenges in a relationship with a man who has commitment issues. The lyrics describe the narrator's worries and fears about her partner's behavior. The song starts by acknowledging that the narrator's partner often makes promises that everything will be alright, but she still worries about him. Despite his tendencies to be late and chase after women, she knows that it's his unpredictable nature that initially attracted her to him. The narrator understands that her partner enjoys the thrill of pursuing women, but it deeply hurts her. She knows all the signs and becomes the inspiration for his lines and songs. However, when she contemplates straying from their relationship, she is labeled a wicked child and fears the consequences he might impose. The chorus repeats the phrase "the devil I know" to emphasize the familiarity and predictability of her partner's behavior. She acknowledges that she always hopes for change, but deep down, she knows that he will continue to play mind games. The lyrics highlight the contrasting expectations and double standards in the relationship. The narrator's partner claims to only want her but is often caught prowling for other women. If she were to behave similarly, she would be demonized and made to pay for her actions. Overall, "The Devil I Know" delves into the struggles of being in a relationship with someone who continually tests the boundaries and has difficulty remaining faithful. The song captures the emotional turmoil and contemplation of the narrator as she learns to accept the patterns and games involved in her love life.
