The rhythm brings “Devil On My Shoulder” to life and defines its initial attractiveness, but it is the thoughtful presentation of the message that ensures the life will be a long one. The lyrics (included below) of the song by Arts Fishing Club introduce the listener to three personas – the protagonist, his ghost-like soul and the devil on his shoulder (and in his ear). The message is introspective. After a revealing conversation with his soul, the protagonist realizes that it’s time to make fundamental adjustments.
“Devil On My Shoulder” has an emphasis on its Folk elements at the start, while the final chorus and the outro are more aligned with Blues-tinged Rock. It isn’t a surprise that Arts Fishing Club has landed in Nashville. Initially, notes from a guitar are timed with syllables of the vocals. Then, the percussive drive enters and the energetic nature of the melody is on full display. Interestingly, the credits of the track show that the drummer is not one of the four band members. Arts Fishing Club comprises Christopher Kessenich (vocals, guitar), Peter Eddins (keys), Jimi Greene (guitar), and Matthew Siffert (bass). John Ogelby is credited as the drummer on “Devil On My Shoulder.”
Christopher Kessenich described the origin of the song:
“One night while writing, I looked up and saw my reflection in the darkened window in front of me. I felt like I was looking into a ghostly version of my soul and wondered what a physical conversation with my soul would be like. ‘Devil On My Shoulder’ is that conversation at that point in my life. I was exhausted with the person I felt myself becoming: detached and empty. Drinking, drugs, promiscuity, and partying were my vehicles for distracting myself from my fear of myself and my inevitable inadequacy. Writing is the most consistent place where I find the truth that is within me. I struggle to lie to myself when I write. This song was extremely important to me and marked a turning point in my life where I began to accept responsibility for my life and my happiness. I began to quit blaming others and finally admitted that it isn’t ‘the devil on my shoulder, the devil in my ear, but the devil in the mirror’ that is to blame.”
“Devil On My Shoulder” Arts Fishing Club
Lyrics of “Devil On My Shoulder” Arts Fishing Club
I saw a ghost
Floating in the night
When I looked close
I could recognize
My soul
Said what are you doing?
How did you get out?
Shouldn't you be right beside my heart?
He said
It grew too dark in there
And I know that I
Have only ever been lucky
And I know that I
Shouldn't focus on the pain
But there's a devil on my shoulder
There's a devil in my ear
Every night I'm growing closer
To the devil in the mirror
Well if this is that
And you gave me all you could
Tell me why
I never understood
How to love
He said the truth has been written
Right there on your heart
But you've been living
Yourself in the dark
Yah, it's easier not to know
And I know that I
Have only ever been lucky
And I know that I
Shouldn't focus on the pain
But there's a devil on my shoulder
There's a devil in my ear
Every night I'm growing closer
To the devil in the mirror
[Repeat]
