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Introduction
“The Devil’s Right Hand” is one of those songs that grabs you from the first note and doesn’t let go. It’s a gritty, raw, and haunting tale about temptation, violence, and the consequences of our choices. Originally written and recorded by Steve Earle, it was later popularized by The Highwaymen—a supergroup consisting of Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and Kris Kristofferson. Each of these legendary artists brought their unique styles to the table, making the song a powerful blend of country storytelling and outlaw grit.
At its core, “The Devil’s Right Hand” is about a young man’s fascination with guns, which starts innocently enough but soon spirals out of control. The protagonist’s journey begins with his first introduction to firearms, presented almost like a rite of passage. He’s warned by his mother that a gun is “the devil’s right hand,” but the thrill and allure prove too strong. The lyrics vividly capture his descent into violence, ending in a tragic outcome that leaves a heavy silence in its wake.
This song stands out because of its stark and straightforward lyrics. There’s no sugarcoating here—the story is laid bare, and that’s what makes it hit so hard. The chorus itself is almost like a chant, hammering home the inevitability of the young man’s downfall: “My very first pistol was a cap and ball Colt, / Shoots as fast as lightning but it loads a mite slow / It’ll get you into trouble but it can’t get you out / That’s the devil’s right hand.”
What’s particularly compelling about The Highwaymen’s version is how their voices weave together to tell this cautionary tale. You can almost hear the collective wisdom of Cash’s somber bass, Jennings’s rugged baritone, Nelson’s tender lilt, and Kristofferson’s gravelly edge as they breathe life into the narrative. They’re not just singing—they’re warning, reminiscing, and perhaps even lamenting a story they know all too well. There’s a sense of camaraderie in the delivery, like four old friends sitting around a campfire, trading stories that are as much a part of them as the lines on their weathered faces.
Beyond the music itself, “The Devil’s Right Hand” taps into a deeper conversation about the American love affair with guns and the often-overlooked consequences of that fascination. It’s a story that’s been told in different ways across generations—both in song and in life. But there’s something about the way The Highwaymen deliver it that feels authentic and timeless. They’re not preaching; they’re reflecting. And that’s where the power of the song lies—in its ability to make you think long after the last chord has faded away.
For anyone who’s ever been drawn to something dangerous, something alluring despite its risks, this song resonates. It’s a reminder that some temptations come with a heavy price and that, sometimes, it’s only in hindsight that we see the truth of the warning signs. “The Devil’s Right Hand” isn’t just a song—it’s a story, a lesson, and a piece of musical history that captures the darker side of the outlaw life.
Video
Lyrics
About the time that daddy left to fight the big war
I saw my first pistol in the general store
In the general store, when I was thirteen
Thought it was the finest thing I ever had seen
(Willie Nelson)
So I asked if I could have one some day when I grew up
Mama dropped a dozen eggs, she really blew up
She really blew up and I didn’t understand
Mama said the pistol is the devil’s right hand
[Chorus (All together)]
The devil’s right hand, the devil’s right hand
Mama said the pistol is the devil’s right hand
(Kris Kristofferson)
My very first pistol was a cap and ball colt
Shoots as fast as lightin’ but it loads a mighty slow
Loads a mighty slow and soon I found out
It can get you into trouble but it can’t get you out
(Waylon Jennings)
So then I went and bought myself a Colt .45
Called a peacemaker but I never knew why
Never knew why, I didn’t understand
‘Cause Mama said the pistol is the devil’s right hand
Well I got into a card game in a company town
Caught a miner cheating I shot the dog down
Shot the dog down, watched the man fall
Never touched his holster never had a chance to draw
The trial was in the morning and they drug me out of bed
Asked me how I pleaded, not guilty I said
Not guilty I said, you’ve got the wrong man
Nothing touched the trigger but the devil’s right hand
(Repeat chorus…)