Meaning of "What's a Devil to Do?" by Harley Poe

"What's a Devil to Do?" delves into the internal struggle of a person who is torn between their upbringing and their darker impulses. The opening lines depict the protagonist being raised by an angel, suggesting that they were taught to be righteous and abide by certain moral standards. However, as they grow older, they feel their destiny pulling them towards their sinful desires. The line, "So don't you bite the hand that feeds you, or it may cut you with its knife," emphasizes the consequences of going against their moral upbringing.

The protagonist then admits to succumbing to their darker impulses, allowing their sinful nature to permeate through their being. They deliberately rebel against their upbringing, symbolized by shooting a man in Muncie and feeling pleasure in doing so. Their mother's response suggests that she understands and even expects their wicked actions. This highlights a clash between societal expectations and individual desires, as the protagonist questions whether they should adhere to the moral standards set by Jesus or embrace their "devilish" nature.

The lyrics also touch on the theme of sin and moral judgment. The protagonist questions whether they are deemed so bad by society that others hate them. They reflect on the loss of their hopes and dreams, feeling as though they have become an outcast due to their sinful nature. The line, "I'm not a rich man, but blessed are the poor," implies that the protagonist finds solace in their status as an outsider, perhaps viewing it as a liberation from societal norms.

The final verses explore the idea of punishment and the consequences of one's actions. The protagonist acknowledges that they will eventually face punishment for straying from the righteous path. They describe themselves as a "work of art" created below, implying that their rebellious nature is innate and cannot be suppressed. The lyrics convey a sense of inevitability, as the evil they harbor within themselves will ultimately grow and lead to their downfall.

Overall, "What's a Devil to Do?" delves into the struggle between conformity and individuality. It explores themes of sin, rebellion, punishment, and the internal conflict sparked by societal expectations. The lyrics convey a sense of resignation towards one's darker impulses and a belief that such impulses are an intrinsic part of the individual's nature.