Meaning of "Tell It To The Devil" by The Marshall Tucker Band

"Tell It To The Devil" by The Marshall Tucker Band delves into themes of morality, justice, and accountability. The lyrics poignantly highlight the singer's revulsion towards acts of cruelty and injustice that he witnesses in society, such as violence against children, infidelity, alcoholism, and lack of empathy. The narrator's strong sense of right and wrong, his desire to cleanse his soul, and his readiness to confront the devil in the face of these wrongdoings reflect a deep moral conviction. The repeated refrain of "I'm gonna clean up my soul Lord, you don't owe me no back pay, I'm gonna tell that to the devil when I see him today" underscores the singer's resolve to take personal responsibility for his actions and speak out against injustice. The imagery of walking in a graveyard and expressing a wish for the departed to rest in peace, along with the contemplation of memorizing the Bible, further emphasize the themes of morality and spirituality present in the song. Overall, "Tell It To The Devil" serves as a powerful commentary on the importance of standing up for what is right and holding oneself accountable in the face of moral dilemmas.