[Verse 1 — low, smoky] I come in late with that look in my eyes Got a bottle waiting, telling me lies Says, “You know me, you know my game I can take away a little of that pain” Mama said, “Girl, don’t lose your soul For a little taste of losing control” But some wounds cut way too deep To heal when you’re wide awake [Pre-Chorus — building] I should’ve stopped when I felt that burn Should’ve known better, but I never learn There’s a little voice I know too well Says, “You don’t have to hurt in hell” [Chorus — big, bluesy] There’s a devil on my shoulder And he’s calling out my name Says, “Girl, you know you want it I can wash away the pain” I could fight it, I could leave it I could swear I already know But there’s something ’bout a bottle That a broken heart can’t let go [Verse 2 — more swagger] I’ve been a fool, but I ain’t no saint Got a heart full of scars and paint I’ve been knocked down, I’ve been left behind Lost a little piece of me each time You think I’m drinking ‘cause I love the taste? Baby, I’m drinking just to slow the race All the memories at my doorway All the ghosts I can’t outrun [Pre-Chorus] I should’ve stopped when I heard that voice Should’ve known better than giving it choice But when the whole damn world gets loud That little bottle shuts it down [Chorus — stronger] There’s a devil on my shoulder And he’s calling out my name Says, “Girl, you know you want it I can wash away the pain” I could fight it, I could leave it I could damn it to the road But there’s something ’bout a bottle That a broken heart can’t let go [Bridge — stripped down, piano + vocal] Ohhh… I know that voice I know that sound It’s been waiting by my bedside Every time I break down It don’t ask no questions It don’t care where I’ve been Just calls out to me Telling me, “Drink again” [Band slowly returns] And God knows I know better… But better don’t make it hurt less. [Final Chorus — huge, gritty] There’s a devil on my shoulder And tonight he’s letting go I’ve been dancing with my demons Longer than you’ll ever know He don’t promise me tomorrow He just makes tonight move slow And when the world becomes too heavy He’s the only friend I know Yeah, there’s a devil on my shoulder— And he’s waiting in that bottle. [Outro — quiet, almost spoken] Tomorrow I’ll put it down… Tonight… I just need to breathe. [END]
