Introduction
“The Devil’s Right Hand” is a song that delves into the dark allure of firearms and the consequences that come with them. Written by Steve Earle, it was first featured on his 1988 album Copperhead Road. The track explores the story of a young man who becomes fascinated with guns from a young age. As the song progresses, this obsession leads him down a path of violence and regret. The “devil’s right hand” serves as a metaphor for the weapon, which becomes a symbol of fate and destruction in the narrator’s life.
The Highwaymen, the country supergroup comprising Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and Kris Kristofferson, covered “The Devil’s Right Hand” on their 1995 album The Road Goes on Forever. Their rendition maintained the song’s haunting narrative, while their combined vocals added layers of depth and gravity to the track. The interplay between the four legendary voices enhances the sense of foreboding and inevitability portrayed in the lyrics, as they bring their individual experiences and emotive styles to the tale.
This song fits into the broader themes that The Highwaymen often tackled, such as struggles with morality, personal demons, and life’s hardships. The track’s lyrics reflect not only the dangers associated with firearms but also comment on how fascination with violence can lead to tragic outcomes. It aligns with Steve Earle’s original intent, where he intended to question cultural attitudes toward guns and violence.
The Highwaymen’s performance of “The Devil’s Right Hand” remains a memorable piece of their legacy. It showcases their storytelling skills and their ability to imbue a song with a sense of gravitas, resonating with themes that are as relevant today as they were at the time of its release.