Meaning of "Devil's Backbone" by The Civil Wars

The lyrics of "Devil's Backbone" explore themes of love, forgiveness, and acceptance. The narrator finds themselves in love with a man who is an outcast or someone who does not fit societal norms, represented by being "raised on the edge of the devil's backbone." This suggests that the man may have a troubled past or is viewed as immoral or dangerous. However, the narrator's love transcends these judgments. They are willing to bear the burden, take on the blame, and swallow the shame associated with their choice. This illustrates their deep commitment to the relationship, conveying that they value love and connection over societal expectations and judgments. The repetition of "Oh Lord, oh Lord" emphasizes the narrator's desperate plea to a higher power, symbolizing their desire for divine intervention or acceptance of their non-conventional love. The lyrics also touch on the concept of guilt and innocence, as the narrator states that they don't care if the man is guilty or not. This suggests that their love is unconditional, as they see beyond moral absolutes and view the man as both good and bad. Overall, "Devil's Backbone" portrays a love that challenges societal norms and embraces acceptance and forgiveness.